Judy Weiphert

I taught school for about 36 years. Then it was, “Oh, what a delight! Retire, read and watch movies and shop.”

I got bored in 2 weeks.

I looked into volunteer work. We had a food pantry nearby and I sat in the parking lot and watched what was going on. Inside, I saw how they were treating people and I was very pleased. One day, while observing, I saw this older man – he was homeless – trying on a pair of boots. When he took off his old shoes, his sox were so dirty, full of holes. I was crushed.

So every Wednesday I came loaded with white sox. My girlfriend and I collected bags and bags of sox because they were in demand. Then I started volunteering nearly full time and that was it. I was in.

I’ve been at this for 13, 14 years. The food pantry and clothing center is now based in a church and we’re set up as a nonprofit – the Toms River Community Church Outreach. On Saturdays, anyone can come in. We’re there for the homeless and the needy. The working poor in this area cannot possibly keep a job on the low wages they are paid, pay the rent and buy clothing for their children.

We have food to give out – breads, potatoes, vegetables, snacks, juices – along with underwear, pants, coats and, of course, we still have sox. We give out some medical supplies like bandaids, and we bring a nurse in on Saturdays. They bring their children along and we give them a toy or coloring book.

Whether black, white or Hispanic, the poor families are better off because we can make their life a tiny bit easier, with a coffee pot, dishes, kitchen supplies, towels and sheets. We give them a hot meal or coffee, snacks and bagels. Sometimes we get as many as 100 families. A lot of people walk there, because they have no car.

I now spend my life on this and many become my friends. They call me “Miss Judy” and they all have my number. They call asking, “Could you help me out? I have no meat this week for the children?” I take them to the doctors. I have gone with them to apply for an apartment or government assistance.

My volunteering gives back for all the times that people helped me earlier in my life. Someone will ask me: “Can I pay you for that?” And I say, “Pay it forward to someone who needs assistance.” I would say to other older adults – don’t fear retirement. I’m having a great time. Why wouldn’t you feel good around all these people thanking you and hugging you and grateful that you’re there. Nearly all our volunteers are over 50. It’s a real spirit-lifter for all of us.