Finding Purpose: How Volunteering Revived a Woman’s Identity

In a personal journey of rediscovery, Sharron Hopkins, a 54-year-old woman from Southampton, found renewed purpose and identity through volunteering with the charity FareShare. After years of fostering over 100 children alongside her husband Trevor, Sharron felt increasingly invisible as the needs of her family diminished. A pivotal moment occurred two years ago when she spent an entire day out without informing her family, only to return home to a lack of concern for her whereabouts. This experience highlighted her feelings of being overlooked and prompted her to seek meaningful engagement in her life.

Sharron’s situation is not uncommon for women in her age group, who often contend with feelings of invisibility as their roles within families evolve. With four teenage foster children settled in their routines, Sharron noticed a significant change in her daily life. “I felt lost,” she recalled, recognizing that traditional pastimes no longer appealed to her. Instead of succumbing to the isolation, she decided to take action by committing to say “yes” to new opportunities.

Her journey began with volunteering during the Christmas season, which reignited her sense of community and purpose. Shortly thereafter, she came across a news segment about FareShare, an organization dedicated to redistributing surplus food to those in need. Intrigued by their mission, Sharron quickly signed up to volunteer and began her work at a local FareShare warehouse.

At the warehouse, Sharron was welcomed warmly by fellow volunteers who recognized her contributions. “I felt immediately welcomed and valued,” she explained. The camaraderie and shared purpose among the volunteers stood in stark contrast to the feelings of invisibility she had previously experienced.

Sharron’s first day at FareShare was transformative. Not only did she engage in meaningful work, but she also had the opportunity to share her experiences with her family. Trevor and their daughters, Grace and Maisie, expressed interest in her new role and even offered to assist with the logistics of caring for their foster children to ensure that Sharron could fulfill her volunteer commitments.

Over the past year and a half, Sharron has embraced her role at FareShare with enthusiasm. She now works four regular shifts each week and frequently volunteers for additional duties, sometimes traveling over 200 miles to deliver food to various charities. This commitment to service has reinvigorated her spirit and restored her sense of identity. “Volunteering gives me back my own identity,” she shared, highlighting the joy of being recognized and appreciated for her efforts.

Through her volunteering, Sharron has not only connected with fellow volunteers but has also met individuals who benefit from the food distribution. Each interaction has provided her with new insights and enriched her understanding of community needs. “Every day is interesting,” she noted, reflecting on the diverse stories she encounters in her service.

The impact of her volunteering extends beyond her personal satisfaction; it has strengthened her family bonds. With Trevor and their daughters supporting her schedule, Sharron feels empowered to pursue her passion, often joking and enjoying the camaraderie with her fellow volunteers.

In observing her peers, Sharron noted a trend of unhappiness among women of similar ages, many of whom feel unfulfilled in their careers or personal lives. She encourages others facing similar situations to explore volunteering opportunities. “Say ‘yes’ to more and see how it makes you feel,” she advises, believing that such experiences can lead to profound personal transformation.

Sharron Hopkins’ journey underscores the importance of finding purpose and connection in later life stages. By stepping outside her comfort zone and engaging with her community, she not only reclaimed her identity but also inspired others to seek fulfillment in service to those in need.