Volunteering is “Our Thing” for This Father/Son Duo
With Father’s Day comes the opportunity to recognize a hardworking father/son volunteering duo that have become regulars at Feeding San Diego’s headquarters on Saturdays. Jim Jumamil and his son Cooper are hard to miss at the Produce Pantry every Saturday, seeing as they’re the spitting image of each other. Whether they’re passing out the food, restocking, or breaking down the distribution, these two regularly work together to give back.
While we see all kinds of volunteering duos here at Feeding San Diego – friends, partners, colleagues, and parents and their kids – it’s always amazing to be able to share the unique stories of those who selflessly commit to volunteering regularly to make sure their neighbors have the fresh food they need.
Jim and Cooper at Feeding San Diego’s produce pantry
Q: When did you start volunteering at Feeding San Diego? Have you always volunteered together?
Jim: We started volunteering right before the pandemic and have volunteered together ever since.
Cooper: Since the pandemic, volunteering with my dad has always been “our thing.” We always volunteer together on Saturdays.
Q: Why did you choose to volunteer with Feeding San Diego?
Cooper: We chose Feeding San Diego because it’s our local food bank, and we wanted to help our community. Giving back to our own community has been rewarding because we have been able to physically see our efforts make a positive impact.
Jim: We have also come to enjoy working and volunteering with the rest of the folks that give their time during these events, both the volunteers and the Feeding San Diego employees we meet.
Q: How has volunteering together strengthened your relationship?
Cooper: Like I mentioned before, volunteering is “our thing,” and it’s an activity that we enjoy doing together. Volunteering at Feeding San Diego causes us to share a common goal that we can both work towards and feel accomplished together.
Jim: Watching my son at these events helping others really makes me appreciate the person he has become.
Q: Why do you recommend family members volunteer together?
Cooper: I believe activities are always more fun when you share them with someone. Whether that be a family member or friend, volunteering is a great activity that not only gives back to the community but also strengthens relationships and makes meaningful memories.
Jim: Cooper put it better than I could have.
Q: What is the most meaningful experience each of you has had while volunteering?
Cooper: The most meaningful experiences for me are the connections. I’ve not only connected with individuals from the community but also with other volunteers. We’ve become a part of a family and always look forward to seeing familiar faces when we volunteer.
Jim: For me, the opportunity to help others is what means the most.
Q: What does Father’s Day mean to each of you?
Cooper: Father’s Day to me is a reminder of all the time my dad has sacrificed for me. It reminds me that my dad will always be there for me despite the circumstance. Father’s Day is a reminder that I am loved.
Jim: Father’s Day is a time for me to be thankful for the family and friends that I have.
