“It’s rare to be part of something that accomplishes really important work on such a large scale.”
– Asah Washington, Store Director – Star Market, Lower Mills
In this month’s Volunteer Spotlight, Asah Washington, who is a Star Market Store Manager, shares why volunteering with Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is essential for building Boston's communities of the future.
Fast Facts
- Name: Asah Washington
- Current occupation: Store Director – Star Market, Lower Mills
- Favorite Movies: Matilda, Love & Basketball
- Favorite Podcast: The Joe Budden Podcast
- Favorite Way to Spend Free Time: Inline Skating
In her own words
How did you initially get involved as a volunteer at BGCB?
I got excited as soon as I found out about the holiday service opportunity with Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston through Star Market’s corporate office. Our store had already made financial contributions to the organization, and I loved the idea of expanding our involvement and showing up to contribute in other ways.
As a side note, my brother went to Yawkey Club of Roxbury, which is the same Club that the volunteer event was happening at, and also down the street from where I grew up. On a personal level, it was awesome to see how the community’s reach has come full circle.
What has been your experience as a volunteer?
Put simply, it was awesome, and the best part was seeing the wide range of people who were getting involved that day. So many different people from so many different walks of life stepped out of their busy schedules and showed up for the community, putting together more than 500 meal bags for families to have over the holidays. It’s rare to be part of something that accomplishes really important work on such a large scale.
From my earlier days decorating cakes for children on their birthday to working as a grocery store director, I’ve always loved to share the joy of food with others. It’s special for me to be able to find opportunities in the community to extend this type of work and bring the joy of food to life every single day.
Star Market Store Director Asah Washington assembling grocery bags at a Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston volunteer event.
What motivates you to stay involved as a volunteer?
The environment and energy inside the Club is contagious. When you see people who care so much about what they do, it motivates you to stay engaged and stay involved.
But beyond that, this is just the person I am; it’s who my mother raised me to be. I’m a people person and I love being around others. I’ve always told my mom I should’ve been on TV. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to connect with new people that I otherwise wouldn’t have met, and find new opportunities to team up and work together.
I also realize that by showing up at helping our at events like this, we are supporting the same people who show up at our store, buy our groceries, and support us every day. Without our community members, there is no us. That’s why it is important to me to give back and keep our community strong.
I’m already starting to make plans for next year with hopes of reaching out to more stores in my district, get more people in involved, and put together even more bags of food.
What would you recommend to someone who is considering getting involved with BGCB?
Here’s my recommendation: Do it. It is going to be an experience of a lifetime.
