Name: John & JoAnna Morton
Hometown: Hayward, California
Please describe yourself in one sentence.
John-I am a people person that enjoys being around others that have the same interests as I do. (Church, San Leandro Dahlia Society, local volunteers, etc.)
JoAnna-I am woman who shows people that love comes from helping others. I try to be a good example to my family and friends.
When did you guys first hear about MedShare?
Dr. Karen Rice asked my wife JoAnna and me to drop by MedShare to try out the sorting process and see if it would work in San Leandro as well as it did in Atlanta.
How would you describe your volunteer experience at MedShare?
John-I enjoy working with others that have the same volunteering instincts as I do. These are people that want to volunteer, not forced to do the work.
JoAnna- It is wonderful to go to Medshare. Most of the volunteers are fun to work with. Terry Monday makes sure that everyone feels welcome and finds something useful for each volunteer to do.
How long have you both been volunteering at MedShare?
Oct. 2008 when MedShare first opened in San Leandro
What inspired you to get involved?
John- JoAnna and I had been looking for a local place to volunteer and MedShare is less than 5 miles away and shares the same values that we have.
JoAnna-I am a person that has volunteered all my life. From my child's school, Southern Alameda Women Against Rape, Safe Ashland Summer Day Camp, Kids Breakfast Club, San Leandro Work days as well as our church. I can see that the work at MedShare benefits many people in many countries. I like it when the doctors come by to get supplies and tells us where the supplies are going and how they will benefit the people.
What is it that motivates you to keep volunteering at MedShare?
John- When we have Medical Missionaries come in and pick up supplies, we often stop our work and listen to their stories. When we hear that we are making lives better for others or even saving lives it makes me want to do even more.
JoAnna- I have a sense of pride working at MedShare. I think that it is a wonderful place that helps better the lives of people all over the world.
Have you been involved with MedShare in other ways besides sorting supplies? If so, please explain.
John- I am a boxer/weigher/palletizer/sorter/warehouse picker and anything else that is needed. JoAnna and I bring in her baked goods, flower arrangements and I provide most of the music we listen to during our working hours. I submitted an article to a Chamber of Commerce newsletter, talking about MedShare and what it means to the community.
What has been your favorite MedShare moment or story during your time serving with us?
John- Our Medshare experience is a bit like Cheers. We work with the same people on most days and "everyone knows our names!!" Often someone will bring in a special treat for a person even if it isn't their birthday. The work at Medshare is fun and rewarding all at the same time.
JoAnna- I like it when people work together on a worthwhile cause. Last week we had several different groups come in from the corporate world to do repack. We were able to complete over 80 pallets in less than 8 shifts. We were tired. It was a learning experience for us. We had the satisfaction of a job well done.
