Stories

At Hospitality House Food Pantry in Commerce, two dedicated volunteers are proving that you don’t need a paycheck to make a powerful impact. John Wise and Lori Drellack, recently named Volunteers of the Year, go above and beyond—each in their own way—to help fight food insecurity and support their neighbors in need.

Though their roles differ, their shared commitment and compassion fuel the pantry's mission every single day.

John Wise: The Heartbeat of the Warehouse

After retiring, John Wise found himself searching for something meaningful to fill his time. He stumbled upon Hospitality House, struck up a conversation with the Operations Manager, and came back the next day to start volunteering. That was the beginning of something bigger than he ever imagined.

While John initially tried assisting clients directly, he quickly discovered his true strength lay behind the scenes—in the warehouse. There, surrounded by pallets and boxes instead of people, John found purpose.

Today, John volunteers four times a week, playing a critical role in the pantry’s operations. When the organization found itself suddenly without paid warehouse staff, John didn’t hesitate. He stepped up to manage everything—inventory, food flow, restocking the pantry, and troubleshooting operations.

“I learned the ropes from the previous Operations Manager,” John recalls. “When he left, I filled the gap. I just wanted to make sure things kept running smoothly for the team and for the clients.”

He also volunteers as a rescue driver, picking up donated food from local grocery stores—food that might otherwise end up in landfills. It's just another way John quietly makes a huge impact.

Thanks to his initiative and problem-solving mindset, the pantry operates more efficiently than ever. From earning his forklift certification to reorganizing storage flow, John is constantly finding new ways to help the organization serve more people, more effectively.

“The best part is being part of this community—people who show up every day for the right reasons. It feels good to be needed.”

Lori Drellack: The Friendly Face and Fierce Organizer

Lori Drellack came to Hospitality House after retiring for health reasons. But slowing down wasn’t in her nature. When she saw an ad for volunteers to support a new pantry shift, she jumped in—and has been a staple ever since.

Lori now volunteers one to two days a week on-site and several times a week from home. At the pantry, she’s often the first face clients see—working at the front desk, booking return appointments, and completing intake forms for new clients.

“There’s no one moment that stands out,” she says. “Just knowing I can do my part to help someone who needs it—that’s what makes it worth it.”

But Lori’s work extends far beyond what clients see. She’s also Hospitality House’s volunteer “Volunteer Coordinator,” organizing and managing group volunteer efforts from local businesses and organizations. She ensures that every team that walks through the doors is welcomed, trained, and put to work in meaningful ways.

On top of all that, Lori recently took on a major project to update all client profiles in the system—a time-consuming but essential effort to ensure families are getting the most accurate support and resources.

“This place has taught me to never take anything for granted,” Lori shares. “Life can change so quickly. I’m just grateful to give back while I can.”

The Power of People

John and Lori may serve in different ways, but together they represent the heart of Hospitality House: compassion, reliability, and service without expectation of reward.

Without volunteers like them, the pantry couldn’t function. They are the lifeblood of an operation that serves hundreds of families, week in and week out.

“If someone’s looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity,” Lori says, “this is it.”

“You’ll find a purpose,” adds John. “And a community.”

Ready to step up like John and Lori? Find your place to serve at sharedetroit.org and discover the difference you can make in your community—whether you’re behind the scenes or face-to-face.