Meet Board Vice President Mary O’Brien

The job of our board of directors is to ensure we are on the right path as an organization. Caring Hands is blessed to have visionary board members who are passionate about our mission and willing to give of their time, talent, and treasure to help us mobilize eastern Polk County for compassionate service toward our neighbors. Our Board Vice President, Mary O’Brien is a strategically minded and mission-driven board member.

Here’s what you need to know about Mary:

Where does your family attend church?

Ss John and Paul Catholic Church in Altoona

What inspired you to join the Caring Hands board of directors?

Several years ago, a friend approached me regarding the opportunity of volunteering at Caring Hands. Once I found out how we serve the community and how the greater community provides the means and support for Caring Hands, there was no doubt I would volunteer.

What do you hope Caring Hands accomplishes in the next 6 months?

I hope that we can continue to remain faithful to our humble beginnings of serving others. We ask God to expand our territory of service, volunteer base, space, and love for one another.

What do you wish people knew about Caring Hands?

I wish there was more awareness about our services throughout eastern Polk County. I also wish more people knew about the volunteer opportunities.

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

I won a chocolate pie eating contest for people over 50 at the Iowa State Fair a few years ago. Anything chocolate and I’m there!

Thank you to Mary and all of our board members who give generously of their time to help Caring Hands break the cycle of food insecurity and poverty in eastern Polk County.