Volunteer Spotlight: Carolyn Coffin

Volunteer Carolyn Coffin has coordinated the Family to Family Holiday Gift bag program for the past three years. This extremely popular program is greatly appreciated by the clients who receive the gift bags and a meaningful part of the holiday season for the many members of the community who donate them. The program has grown each year under Carolyn’s oversight, culminating in 714 gift bags donated this past holiday season. These bags were distributed to all families and seniors clients of our pantry and mobile programs as well as to Emergency shelters in Acton, Hudson and Concord. Carolyn is stepping down from running it in ’24. If you’re interested in helping out contact us at volunteer@opentable.org.

Carolyn started volunteering at Open Table in 2018 in a guest support role when Open Table had in person shopping, primarily during senior pantry hours. With the change in model, she moved to Tuesday grocery distributions and some cooking shifts. Carolyn became a Distribution Shift leader when the role was originated and has lead the Tuesday 2:15 shift weekly ever since.

Carolyn has lived in Concord for 20 years with her husband and raised three children and several rescue dogs there. Originally from New Jersey, she’s been in the Greater Boston area for 40 years and worked as a clinical social worker before retiring to focus on family and various volunteer pursuits.

When asked why she chooses to spend her time volunteering for Open Table she replied “Because of the sense of community. Our clients, volunteers, staff and donors are a joy to connect with and I love the way Open Table constantly strives to adjust to meet changing needs. I am very proud to be part of an organization that pivoted quickly to continue to address food insecurity with choice and dignity during the pandemic and beyond.”