Windham Area Interfaith Ministries (WAIM)
On November 17th, we visited the headquarters of WAIM in Willimantic, CT. WAIM is an organization which provides clothing, househood supplies, furniture, appliances and other services at no charge to neighbors who are in need. We met Victoria Nimirowski, the director of the organization and she explained the purpose and services of WAIM. She gave us a tour of the facility and showed us the clothing sorting and "shopping" areas, the furniture and appliance storage area and the pantry, where kitchen and household supplies were available. She also talked to us about other WAIM services like, transportation assistance, community garden and energy assistance. We decided to return to WAIM and volunteer our time the following month.
On December 13th, we returned and were put to work doing paperwork and preparing clothing donations for display. We removed the clothing that wasn't in good condition, hung items on hangers and sorted them by type and gender. We cleaned and tidied up the display area and added many items to the racks. They needed and appreciated our help because there were a lot of donations that needed to be organized.
Since we knew about the organization before we served there, it was more meaningful for us. It wasn't difficult work but it was fulfilling because we knew that we were doing something needed for the community and the people who struggle.
