Bridging Community: A Tale of Volunteer Vicki’s Wedding Ring
Vicki is a shopping volunteer at Bridging. For five years, she has found joy in working alongside recipients of Bridging’s services as they furnish their homes. Last week, Steven shopped for furniture and essential household items in Bridging’s Bloomington warehouse with Vicki and another volunteer.
Following his morning shopping appointment, Vicki carefully wrapped Steven’s dishes, glasses, pots and pans, small household appliances, and home décor, securely packing the items in boxes that would soon be delivered to his home.
The next day, Vicki realized her wedding ring had slipped off her finger. She retraced her steps at home and in the community searching for the ring with no luck finding it. She wondered if she lost it while shopping or packing boxes at Bridging.
Vicki contacted Bridging volunteer coordinator Erin and asked if the team would look for her cherished ring given to her by her husband and commemorating their 46 years of marriage.
Meanwhile, another voicemail awaited on Bridging’s line. It was a phone message from Steven: “Good morning, I was just unpacking my boxes from Bridging and found a ring. It’s important to someone. I want to make sure it gets back to the person who lost it.”
Erin and another staff member visited Steven’s home to retrieve the wedding ring. Steven had carefully enclosed the ring in an envelope and a decorative gift bag for Vicki.
Erin contacted Vicki to share that the ring Steven found matched the description of her wedding ring. Vicki was elated and expressed her heartfelt gratitude:
“Steven is proof that goodness and kindness exist. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to help him shop for his home furnishings, and I’ll remember him forever as a wonderful man. God bless him.”