When Terence Linehan moved to Douglas County in 2024, he wanted to find a meaningful way to get involved in his new community through volunteer opportunities. He found his opportunity at Help & Hope Center, where, since July 2024, he has volunteered driving a truck twice a week to pick up donated food from grocery stores for the food pantry. His wife, Laura, also volunteers at Help & Hope Center, serving at the front desk.

“Reducing food insecurity is something that's important to our family,” Terence shares. “We were looking for a volunteer opportunity that fit that.” For Terence and Laura, faith is an important driver of why they volunteer, shaping their commitment to serving others.

A Lifelong Commitment to Service

That commitment began long before Colorado. Growing up in a family of six children, Terence learned from his parents that even when resources are limited, it's important to support others. Those lessons led him to volunteer through high school, college, and church ministries, and he and Laura made service part of raising their own children.

Today, Terence collects and delivers donated food to the pantry and supports pantry operations, seeing firsthand how partnerships with local businesses and volunteers make it possible to provide nutritious food to neighbors facing difficult times.

Seeing the Impact Up Close

One experience that has stayed with him is helping distribute food during pantry appointments. “It's great to see the amount of food we're able to provide,” he says. “Not just one bag of food, but multiple days' worth of meals.” Talking with clients, he often hears about the challenges they face, from medical expenses to job loss, and sees the relief that comes from knowing they will have food on the table.

“I think what sometimes people don't realize is that all of us are one unexpected medical emergency away from being in that same situation,” he says. 

This perspective motivates Terence to show up week after week to serve his neighbors in Douglas and Elbert Counties. Having previously helped an organization grow from 35,000 to more than a million meals a year, he understands the scale of the need and the impact a caring community can have.

Terence also joined Help & Hope Center's Board of Directors this year, deepening his dedication to the food pantry's front lines.

“There is a tremendous amount of need in this area, and there are multiple ways to help,” he says, “whether through time, talent, donated goods, or financial support, every contribution helps strengthen the community and ensure neighbors have access to the resources they need.”

We are grateful for volunteers like Terence and Laura, whose compassion, dedication, and servant leadership help make hope possible every day.

Thank you, Terence, for everything you do for our community.