Longtime Circle of Concern volunteers Boyd and Barbara Jones say their introduction to the organization’s vital work came when they attended a presentation by the organization’s former executive director more than 15 years ago.
Until that point, the St. Louis County couple didn’t realize how serious a problem food insecurity was in their community. Understanding the scope of the challenge sparked a determination to take action: Barbara began volunteering at Circle in 2008: now she works in reception and assists with data entry. Boyd signed up to help a year later; he’s currently a pantry shift captain and will serve as a case worker once the building opens again for pantry shopping and in-person meetings.
“The struggle faced by so many to feed their families continues to make a lasting impression,” Boyd said. “Circle’s approach seamlessly fits our personal philosophy and conviction. Barbara and I have always believed that no one, regardless of individual circumstances or causes, should go hungry in a nation with the resources available to the United States.”
Their years of service at Circle of Concern have strengthened the Joneses’ confidence in the organization’s value. “The staff is unfailingly supportive, consistent, encouraging and beautifully coordinated in its efforts to maximize Circle’s effectiveness in addressing our clients’ needs,” Boyd said. “We continually see first-hand the difference Circle makes in the lives of the hundreds of families who are our clients.”
From volunteering, it was a logical step to include Circle of Concern in the couple’s estate plans. Barbara said their choice to focus their resources on this organization was a strategic one.
“It is important to us to know that we can make significant contributions to a select few, mostly local institutions that can and do change lives around us for the better,” she said. “We believe Circle will be around for a long time, and want to do what we can to ensure that it will be.”
Boyd sees his and Barbara’s contributions to Circle as “our own little slice of immortality,” helping to shape the future of the organization after they are gone.
Even as they help prepare for Circle’s future, the Joneses keep their commitment to enhancing its presence through their volunteer work. “Circle is, simply, where we know we belong in pursuit of our desire to give back in appreciation of our good fortune.”
