We are happy to announce that our volunteer of the month is Saba Tabriz. 

Saba began interning in September 2011. From the beginning, we were impressed by her passion for the non-profit sector, in particular, Martha's Table. On her first day of interning, she brought to the position her eagerness to learn, a nature of hard work, a unique spirit, and fresh look on how to make her internship work better for her. She is very meticulous and thrives off attention to detail. It's been a privilege to have Saba as an intern.

Why did you get involved with Martha's Table originally, what made you want to volunteer and why here?

I developed a strong partnership with Starbucks in Bethesda to donate their left-over food.  I began looking for a credible non-profit organization to donate the left-overs that serves families and homeless individuals.  Among the many non-profits and kitchens in the D.C. area, Martha's Table shined the brightest in my eyes.  I was truly impressed and inspired by their efforts in bringing meals on McKenna's Wagon to neighborhoods and communities in need. After a few months of making regular deliveries from Starbucks to Martha's Table, I continued to be amazed with the many programs the close-knit, strong-minded and even stronger-willed, staff conceived, established, and grew. So when offered a position to intern with Zarinah Hameen in the development office, there was no hesitation in my acceptance.   

Is there a moment that stands out in your mind about your volunteer experience, with another volunteer or with our staff?

There is no one moment that stands out in my mind about this experience, but the staff as a whole has made this experience one of the best.  Everyday I walk into Martha's Table's main doors with a warm greeting from Ms. Debbie or Ms. Ro at the front desk, meet Nadia's (volunteer coordinator) big smile and sweet compliments as I pass through the back door in the kitchen, crack jokes and catch up with Justin (food program manager), Martin (food coordinator), and the rest of the big-hearted kitchen staff as I meticulously pack away my donations for the day.  Upon entering the "gray building," I'm welcomed by the accounting staff and I'm always humbled by Ann's (director of development) efforts in never failing to remind me how much she appreciates my help. Last, but certainly not least, the support I've received from Zarinah (development coordinator) and Kim (development and volunteer manager) have been invaluable. I can't begin to thank Zarinah for all that I've learned and the amount of growth that I've made since I began working with her.  She has always supporting me in all of my crazy endeavors, and coming into work each week has provided me with a relaxing, fulfilling, and (most importantly) a FUN break from the chaos of class and schoolwork.