She’s filling a need by helping the homeless

“On my way to work, I would see homeless people every day. Especially during the winter months, I would see them living in cardboard boxes under bridges and sometimes on sidewalks. I’ve bought food for a homeless person, and the gratitude of, ‘Thank you, thank you, God bless you,’ makes you want to do so much more. I think that we as a society must help the needy. Since there is a huge need, I decided to become a volunteer. As a member of the UPS Houston Community Investment Committee, I help create volunteer events. We’ve helped several charity organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, and we’re now collecting blankets for the homeless. 

“I love volunteering because it gives me a sense of purpose in life. My most memorable volunteer activity was when I worked at a hospital in Brooklyn, New York. I was assisting patients in filling out medical forms at their bedside in the emergency room. Some of them couldn’t understand English or speak the language. So I was the one who would help bridge the communication gap, and assist the nurses and patients in translating. Another memorable activity was assembling bikes that were donated to disadvantaged children who could not afford them. The bikes were transported by UPS to several Boys and Girls Clubs in the Houston area.

“I enjoy volunteering because you know that your efforts can positively impact a community. I think we should all volunteer because you never know when you will be the one needing help.”

— Mariel Pagan

New or gently used blankets for the homeless can be dropped off at the UPS Customer Center at 5421 I-10 in Baytown, noon-6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Sept. 1, 2019. The blankets will be distributed later this year through the Healthcare for the Homeless Program that serves Harris County. Homeless people in Baytown will be among those who receive the blankets.