A heart for community: Meet Vicky, The Ark’s oldest volunteer

This article, written by a volunteer of The Ark, is the fourth in a series of five stories that will highlight the generous work of the local nonprofit organization ahead of its annual fundraiser, Supper & Song, on Sunday, Oct. 19. Purchase your tickets to help South Cheatham families stay afloat today. 

At 81 years old, most people might imagine slowing down, enjoying quiet days, and letting others take the lead. Not Vicky. Two years ago, when she and her husband moved to Kingston Springs to be closer to family, she found herself not just starting over in a new town — but stepping into a brand-new calling.

“I’m the Ark’s oldest volunteer,” Vicky said. “I’m 81 years old, but I’m a newer volunteer. I’ve only been here two years. When we downsized and moved from Jackson, I had a lot of stuff to get rid of. Somebody told me I could donate it to The Ark, so I came over to Noah’s Closet. I met Sinead and asked, ‘Do y’all need volunteers?’ She said, ‘Oh yes!’ So I started the very next week. And it has been a blessing to me. I cannot tell you what a blessing it’s been.”

Finding family in a new place

For Vicky, the transition from a lifetime in Jackson to Kingston Springs wasn’t easy. She left behind lifelong friends and familiar rhythms. Though she was excited to be closer to her stepson, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she admits that family life looks different when you’re older.

“My family’s here, but they’re young and they’re busy,” she says. “At The Ark, I found a whole new family. The people I work with are the most giving people I think I’ve ever met in my life. We laugh together, we cry together. We’ve just become family.”

Her husband has noticed the difference too. He teases her each week: “Are you going to work today? Or are you going to fun today?” The answer is always the same — volunteering at The Ark is fun, meaningful and life-giving.

Serving through Noah’s Closet and the food pantry

Vicky splits her time between Noah’s Closet, The Ark’s thrift store, and the food pantry.

At Noah’s Closet, she spends her Tuesdays tagging clothes. “I’m a clothes tagger,” she says proudly. “I put prices on them — usually three, four, or five dollars. Kids’ clothes are even cheaper, and toys are about fifty cents. Sometimes we get really high-quality name brands, and we might price them higher or put them online for auction. But mostly, it’s affordable for everyone.”

And then there’s the free section. “If something has a little stain or a missing part, we put it outside. People pick it up, and it goes quickly. That tells you what a need there is in the community. Nothing goes to waste.”

The resale shop is more than just affordable goods. Every penny raised goes directly back into the food pantry. “It’s busy, and it’s fun,” Vicky said. “The clients are fun. You learn people’s names, you know their stories. And the shop itself — it’s a blessing to so many.”

On Mondays, you’ll find Vicky at the food pantry. It’s open from 11 to 4, and she’s there from noon until closing. Her job ranges from packing boxes with canned goods to loading carts with bread, meat and desserts donated by local stores like Costco and Publix.

“The busiest day I’ve seen, we gave out 84 carts of food,” she recalled. “It’s a lot of physical labor, but it’s also so rewarding. I enjoy staying active, and I love meeting the people face-to-face. You really get to know them.”

Stories that stay with you

For Vicky, volunteering isn’t just about tasks — it’s about the people. She lights up when she tells stories of moments that left an impression on her heart.

“There was one man who came to the pantry on his bicycle. It was raining, and we offered to take his groceries home for him. He said, ‘No, I like to ride in the rain.’ He was so appreciative, and he said, ‘I’ll only need this for about a month, just till I can get back on my feet.’ That kind of gratitude just touches you.”

She remembers another client named Sam. “He came in at the very last minute one day, and we’d run out of meat. I told him, ‘I’m so sorry, we don’t have any left.’ And he said, ‘Miss Vicky, I’m just thankful for anything we can get.’ That humility, that thankfulness — it stays with you.”

And then there are the children. “The kids who get their FUEL packs — they’re so excited. Those little bags mean the world to them. And the school giveaway — seeing the kids with brand new backpacks full of supplies, it’s just incredible. Those are the moments that show you how deeply The Ark touches lives.”

She tells of a woman whose husband had just been released from the hospital. “He needed a shower chair and a potty chair, but Medicare wouldn’t cover it. Thankfully, The Ark keeps donated medical equipment. We make sure it’s cleaned, and we give it to people free to use. We just ask that they bring it back when they’re done so someone else can use it. That’s the kind of practical help that changes lives.”

A community of all ages

The Ark thrives because of its volunteers — people from all walks of life, from teenagers to retirees like Vicky. She especially loves working alongside the younger generation. “We’ve got high school boys who help stock shelves and carry heavy boxes. And one day, even a 12-year-old grandson came and helped. He could lift the boxes better than I could!” she laughed.

It’s this mix of generations that makes The Ark unique. “We have volunteers from teenagers to people my age, 81. And everyone brings something valuable.”

Why volunteer?

When asked what she’d say to encourage someone else to volunteer, Vicky’s answer is simple: “If you think you want to volunteer, come talk to us. Come see what it’s like. You’ll work hard, but you’ll also have fun. And you’ll be part of a family.”

She adds that donations are just as vital. “Keep bringing the donations in — they’re our lifeline. And support our fundraisers, like Supper & Song. Every bit helps.”

But what she emphasizes most is the spirit of The Ark. “I’ve volunteered at other places before, but nothing like this. The atmosphere is fun, it’s loving, and it’s the same way with the clients. They become family too. It’s just amazing.”

A gem in South Cheatham County

Vicky calls The Ark “a gem to South Cheatham County.” For her, it’s more than a nonprofit — it’s a living example of community.

“The Ark does so much good,” she says. “And it’s been as much a blessing to me as it is to the community. I’ve found friends, purpose and joy here. When I go in, it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like going to fun.”

At 81, Vicky proves that it’s never too late to find a new family, a new mission and a new joy in serving others. Her story is a reminder that giving back doesn’t just change the lives of those who receive — it transforms the lives of those who give.

The Ark is able to continue its generous work that Vicky highlighted for our South Cheatham neighbors through its annual fundraiser, Supper & Song. The event will take place this year on Sunday, Oct. 19, and we hope to see you there.

Supper & Song tickets can be purchased here. If you feel inclined to give back to the community in a larger way, please see our additional sponsorship packages here.