Success and service go hand-in-hand. This HOPE Atlanta volunteer is proof
It’s National Volunteer Month, and what could be more important than giving back?
All successful business executives know a thing or two about prioritizing. But Chikwe Obasih’s priority shortlist looks slightly different from what one might learn in business school. Although he keeps a full schedule between his full-time job as an insurance company VP and an evening MBA program, another non-negotiable appointment is his weekly volunteer session at the HOPE Atlanta Women’s Community Kitchen (WCK).
“No matter how busy I am at work or vacations I’m going on, I throw it on my schedule and block off that hour and a half because it means a lot to me,” said the former Division 1 Football student-athlete, who moved to Atlanta after graduating with honors from the University of Wisconsin.
Raised by a Nigerian immigrant father, Chikwe and his siblings learned the importance of serving the community from a young age. He recalls his father prioritizing giving back, despite the pressures of assimilating to a new culture, saving money to send back home, and raising four children on his own.
“He came over here on an academic scholarship,” he said. “He saw how stark life was over there, and he always made us aware and thankful. He wanted us to give back.”
In college, Chikwe actively volunteered with the Badgers Give Back Foundation. When he moved to Atlanta five years ago, he began looking for somewhere he could make a difference. One year, he donated food to the Women’s Community Kitchen over the holidays.
“I’ve been coming back every single week since,” he said.
The WCK, run largely by volunteers, has provided hot meals to women and children in need — many experiencing homelessness — since 1984. Besides serving food and helping with storage upkeep at the WCK, Chikwe has developed close relationships with the guests, whom he knows by name. He’s also learned how small gestures can make all the difference in someone’s day.
“I’ve been a part of their birthday celebrations,” he said. “I have a ton of dad jokes ready to say if someone’s having a bad day.”
One of his favorite memories at the WCK was last December’s holiday talent show.
“Ola started doing a fashion show strut, and she always wears a tracksuit. So just watching her do her talent, which was a runway walk, was hilarious.”
This year, he brought roses to each woman around Valentine’s Day. He has inspired several of his friends to get involved, too.
“[The WCK] could use more volunteers, more resources,” he said. “I’m texting my friends every Monday night asking for more hands.”
Although making time to volunteer can feel unrealistic for many, Chikwe politely disagrees.
“Everybody has extra time, so I make it a priority,” he explained. “Do you care about it enough, or are you just going to talk about it?”
Inspired by Chikwe’s dedication? You can join him and other HOPE Atlanta volunteers!
HOPE Atlanta and the WCK rely on community support, and there’s never been a better time to follow Chikwe’s example and give back. April is National Volunteer Month, and you can make a difference to the many people struggling with housing and food insecurity — especially as rising costs strain vulnerable households.
There are several opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved, no matter how much time or experience you have.
- Donate items. HOPE Atlanta always needs food and supplies to aid outreach, housing, and hunger relief teams. There is a range of kits needed, from move-in and hygiene supplies for families transitioning out of homelessness to meal packs for the food-insecure. View items needed and instructions.
- Volunteer. HOPE Atlanta’s operations rely on volunteers, and there are many opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved! You can sign up for a shift at the Women’s Community Kitchen online or pack food boxes at the volunteer center.
- Make a gift. Financial contributions are one of the easiest and most effective ways to support HOPE Atlanta’s mission to combat homelessness and hunger, and every gift makes a difference to someone. Click here to spread HOPE with your donation.
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