CLEVELAND — Kathy Myers is a volunteer at the May Dugan Center in Cleveland.

“We should all be here to help others," she said.

Myers is newer to town.

“Last year, decided to come here to stay with a friend and I love the area," said Myers.

The Illinois native found her place in Cleveland right away, thanks to her volunteer work.

”Gives me purpose," she said.

Shortly after retiring, she started helping sort and pack up food three days a week at the nonprofit.

“I’m thankful for that," said Myers.

With support from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the May Dugan Center was able to serve more than 1,100 low-income families the week before Thanksgiving.

“For our food program during the pandemic, we’ve seen our program basically triple. In 2019, we provided over 135,000 meals over the course of the year. In the first year of the pandemic, we’ve provided over half a million," said Andy Trares, deputy director of the May Dugan Center. 

More than 20,000 pounds of fresh produce and more than 20,000 pounds of dry goods and meat were distributed in one week alone.

“I would buy it myself in a store," said Myers. "That’s how nice it is.”

While the need is great around the holidays, the need never goes away. 

“People are always kind and thank you and bless you for helping," said Myers. "So it’s really nice.”

The multi-service center said more than 300 volunteers like Myers make it possible to give back year-round. 

“It really gives you a sense of well-being that you’ve helped other people and you’ve just helped your community," she said.

The May Dugan Center offers a wide-range of services in addition to food distribution. 

The organization works to fight infant mortality, help victims of crime, offer behavioral health services and adult education support, among other resources.

“By helping some people, you’re helping the community get stronger," said Myers.

Myers said she is happy to lend a helping hand in her new home.