Volunteer spotlight: Packing with a purpose

A smiling young woman in front of relief buckets.

British Columbia Canada — Jun 2023

Story by Monet Lamphere-Ma
menu_book Perspectives and Viewpoints
June 30, 2023

Meet Tori Klapstein, a passionate volunteer at the Material Resources Warehouse in Abbotsford, BC, who has made a global impact right in her community.

Tori's journey began when she set out to find a way to make a meaningful difference in her community on a global scale. That's when she discovered the opportunity to volunteer with MCC at the Material Resources Warehouse in Abbotsford, BC. It was a perfect fit for her desire to contribute to something larger than herself and bring hope and practical assistance to communities facing adversity.

Every Wednesday morning, with unwavering dedication, Tori entered the MCC Material Resources Warehouse in Abbotsford, ready to transform ordinary items into lifelines for those in need. With active hands and a compassionate heart, she skillfully compressed towels, comforters, and other essential supplies into compact, packable sizes, ensuring they would reach vulnerable communities around the globe.

A young woman stacks comforters into a bailer
Tori (pictured) used a baling machine to efficiently fold heavy-duty comforters for people experiencing disaster. (MCC Photo / Monet Lamphere-Ma)

Tori's hands-on involvement in the warehouse has allowed her to witness firsthand the profound impact of MCC's distributed supplies. From blankets and relief kits to hygiene kits, dignity kits, and school kits, each item plays a crucial role in meeting the urgent needs of individuals and families affected by disasters.

She has seen families who have lost nearly everything receive a clean towel, a toothbrush, and other necessities that make a practical difference and show them that someone cares.

Tori shares, “Reading these stories makes [this work] real and made me feel connected to what’s happening.” It's these moments that reinforce the significance of her work and reaffirm her commitment to serving others.

A young woman stands and holds a bucket full of colorful towels
As Tori packed towels, toothbrushes, and more into relief kits, her thoughts centered on the grateful families who would receive these essential items and the immense significance of these practical gifts for them. MCC Photo/Monet Lamphere-Ma

Volunteering with MCC has not only impacted Tori's service to others but has also played a transformative role in her faith journey. Through her experiences, she has come to view service as a powerful way to respond to God and connect with Him on a deeper level.

Serving God’s Kingdom is simpler than you’d expect. Even coming once a week. It’s what we’re called to do."

Tori Klapstein

volunteer

Tori's time at the Material Resources Warehouse has broadened her understanding of God's call and has shown her that even packaging goods can have a profound impact on her own life.

With a new sense of purpose, Tori is inspired to continue volunteering after she returns to her home in Edmonton, Alberta. “I’m a small piece of the puzzle in sending things around the world,” Tori reflects. “You don’t expect [packaging goods] to be impactful on your life.”

Material Resources Warehouse in BC

At our MCC Material Resources Warehouse here in British Columbia, we collect and package essential items to send to our international partners when disaster strikes. We send comforters, relief kits, hygiene kits, dignity kits, school kits and more!

Would you join Tori and be a part of the difference?

There are several ways you can help make a meaningful impact through MCC's Material Resources Warehouse:
 

Learn more:

Dropping off listed items at the Material Resources Warehouse closest to you, ensuring that essential supplies are readily available when disaster strikes.

Donate: 

Make a financial donation to support bulk purchases of items and their packaging on your behalf. Every contribution counts and allows MCC to reach more vulnerable communities.

Volunteer:

Volunteer at a Material Resources Warehouse by packing kits or baling blankets. Your active participation can directly contribute to providing vital aid to those in need. To get involved, please email the B.C. Volunteer Coordinator at bcvolunteeradmin@mccbc.ca or call the B.C. office at 604-850-6639.

Host a church event:

Consider requesting a kit-packing event at your church. By organizing such an event, you can engage your community in making a tangible difference and raising awareness about the urgent needs faced by disaster-affected communities. For more information, please email the B.C. Material Resources Coordinator at warehouse@mccbc.ca or call the B.C. Material Resources Warehouse at 604-851-7730.

 

Thank you for stepping up and showing your willingness to help those facing disaster. Your support ensures that those in need are not alone in their struggles. Together, we can make a lasting impact and bring hope to communities around the world!

 

Top image: Tori Klapstein is a student at Columbia Bible College who dedicated her service practicum to serving in the Material Resources Warehouse in Abbotsford, British Columbia. MCC Photo/Monet Lamphere-Ma

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