At Fashion Your Mind Organization (FYMO), volunteers aren’t just helpers—they’re the heartbeat of everything we do. From organizing food drives to comforting families in crisis, these everyday heroes are changing lives one moment at a time.
But what does a typical day look like for a FYMO volunteer?
To answer that question, we followed Mariah J., a longtime FYMO volunteer in Sacramento, through one full day of service. What we witnessed was more than generosity—it was a masterclass in compassion, commitment, and community power.
6:30 AM – The Day Begins with Purpose
Mariah starts her morning with a quick journal entry and prayer, something she calls her “centering moment.” She’s not just heading to a volunteer shift—she’s stepping into a mission.
“Every time I go out, I ask God to make me useful,” Mariah shares. “Because today, someone’s going to need more than food or supplies—they’re going to need hope.”
By 7:15 AM, she’s in her car, FYMO volunteer badge clipped to her shirt, tote bag packed with snacks and flyers.
8:00 AM – Food Distribution Setup
Mariah arrives at a local church parking lot where FYMO is hosting a weekly food distribution event. By 8:15 AM, she’s:
- Helping unload pallets of fresh produce and canned goods
- Setting up distribution tables and resource stations
- Coordinating with church staff and other volunteers
The area transforms into a welcoming pop-up grocery store by 9:00 AM. A line of families already stretches around the block.
“It’s organized chaos,” she laughs. “But the energy is amazing. Everyone here wants to serve.”
10:30 AM – Outreach in Action
As families move through the line, Mariah does more than hand out food—she listens.
She comforts a grandmother who recently lost her housing. She helps a single father sign up for FYMO’s Finally Home program. She even kneels down to tie a child’s shoes and hand them a coloring book from her tote.
“I always keep little extras,” she says. “Something small can make someone feel seen.”
By noon, more than 300 meals have been distributed.
12:30 PM – Support Group Facilitation
Mariah takes a short break, then heads to a nearby community center where she co-facilitates a women’s support group organized by FYMO. Today’s session is focused on self-worth and resilience.
The group includes cancer survivors, domestic violence survivors, and women rebuilding after homelessness. They share stories, tears, and encouragement.
“This group saved my life,” says one attendee. “FYMO and people like Mariah gave me my voice back.”
2:00 PM – Admin and Logistics Work
While many think of volunteering as physical labor, there’s plenty to do behind the scenes. Mariah heads to FYMO’s main office for:
- Data entry on community needs and service logs
- Volunteer scheduling for future events
- Assembling care packages for the week’s home deliveries
Mariah reviews a list of 12 seniors who are too frail to attend events and helps coordinate deliveries with a FYMO outreach driver.
4:00 PM – Home Visit with a New FYMO Client
Before heading home, Mariah joins a case manager for a new client intake. A mother of three just received a cancer diagnosis and needs help with rent and groceries.
Mariah sits beside her, gently explaining the Giving to Live program and helping her fill out the intake form.
“I’ve been where she is,” Mariah whispers later. “That fear. That helplessness. I can’t cure cancer, but I can walk with her.”
6:00 PM – Closing the Day with Reflection
Back home, Mariah updates her volunteer journal. She writes down the names of people she met, what she learned, and her prayers for them.
When asked why she does this, she answers:
“Because somebody once showed up for me. Now I get to show up for them.”
FYMO Volunteers Do More Than Give Time—They Give Hope
Volunteers like Mariah are the reason FYMO’s mission reaches thousands each year. Their hands pack supplies, but their hearts deliver healing. Whether they serve once a week or once a year, their impact is immeasurable.
How You Can Become a FYMO Volunteer
🟣 Apply Today: Fill out the simple volunteer form at fashionyourmind.org/volunteer
🟣 Serve Your Way: Choose from roles like event support, mentorship, admin help, spiritual care, or logistics
🟣 Be the Difference: Whether you help once or commit regularly, your presence matters
Conclusion: Be Someone’s Reason to Hope
Mariah’s day wasn’t glamorous. It was real, raw, and full of love. That’s the spirit of FYMO—ordinary people doing extraordinary things through faith, service, and compassion.
You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
You just have to show up.
Because volunteers don’t just help people—they heal communities