ARVADA, Colo. — When you meet Marilyn Lambert, a mask may hide her bigger-than-life personality and infectious smile, but you'll quickly learn she is ready to meet you right where you are in life.
"Whether it's a good day or bad day or just an in-between day, she's right there to listen and many times it's more than just about food," said Gretchen Parker, director of Community Table's Bridges to Opportunity Program.
It's what makes her the perfect fit at Community Table. For 14 years she's been volunteering at the Arvada Food Bank, often multiple days a week.
"If I feel like I can help somebody, I feel better for it. It gives me joy in knowing that somebody else has been helped," Lambert said.
The nonprofit was formed by a group of churches in 1982 and provides food for the most vulnerable people in our communities.
"We serve a big range of people — some are chronically hungry and needing food and some people just need us every once in awhile," Parker said.
Lambert volunteers in the intake department. She registers newcomers and helps find them programs that might just be the hand up they need.
"I'm helping them at their lowest time and seeing if we can get them help food-wise and otherwise," Lambert said.
Through volunteering, Lambert has found purpose and connection. For a job that pays in smiles, never did she imagine the reward would be so filling.
"Joy! I get joy out of it, fun! And I've learned that I can make somebody's day," Lambert said.
Molly Hendrickson anchors Denver7 in the mornings from 4:30-7 a.m. She also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on Denver7. Follow Molly on Facebook here and Twitter here. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.
