🔦 Volunteer Spotlight: Margaret Thompson
For Margaret Thompson, Springs isn't simply where she lives. It's a community she's been part of for decades.
Margaret taught general music at Springs School for nearly 30 years, meaning some of the families she now helps through Springs Food Pantry include former students and their families. After retiring from teaching, she found a new way to serve the community she loves, volunteering both behind the scenes on Tuesdays and during Wednesday distributions.
“It's my privilege to serve my community, even in a small way.”— Margaret Thompson, Volunteer
How long have you been volunteering with Springs Food Pantry, and what first brought you here?
I've been volunteering at the Pantry for about four years. Two of my neighbors had volunteered throughout COVID, and when they began going back and forth to New York City again, they suggested I stop in and see if the Pantry needed help.
What inspired you to get involved, and what keeps you coming back?
At that time, there were long lines of people waiting for food, and I knew it was time to make a real commitment.
Springs has been my home since 1990, and I taught at Springs School for almost 30 years. This is my community, and it felt like the right moment to give back in a different way.
Some of the families who rely on the Pantry are people I taught, so there's a personal connection that makes the work especially meaningful.
What volunteer roles do you typically help with?
I volunteer on Tuesdays, when we pack nonperishable groceries, and on Wednesdays during distribution, when I work in the kitchen.
I honestly don't have a favorite. I enjoy both.
What's something you've learned from volunteering that surprised you?
Two things, actually.
First, seeing firsthand just how many people in our community experience food insecurity. The volume is eye-opening.
Second, the generosity of our local farm stands, which provide such delicious, fresh produce. That's been incredible to witness.
Can you share a favorite Pantry memory or moment?
One of the most meaningful things to come out of volunteering has been the friendships.
I've met some of my closest friends through Springs Food Pantry. That's been a wonderful and completely unexpected result of making a heartfelt commitment here.
What do you wish more people understood about food insecurity on the East End?
Just how dependent our community is on the Pantry.
Tell us a little about yourself outside the Pantry.
I've lived on the East End since the late 1970s and built my home in Springs in 1990.
I taught general music at Springs School for almost 30 years and have now been retired for about 10 years. I enjoy knitting, sewing, exercising, swimming and, for the past four years, spending time with my wonderful dog, Maisie.
Tell us more about your career at Springs School.
One especially meaningful part of teaching at Springs School was an after-school program for fourth graders called Creating Original Opera.
I trained with colleagues at the Metropolitan Opera to learn how to guide children through creating their own story, musical compositions, costumes, sets, and more. We essentially built our own opera company each time.
The creativity and joy that came out of that program was amazing.
What might surprise people about you?
The year I retired, I started training for a long-distance cycling trip, and I actually did it! I rode my bicycle from the top of Scotland to the bottom of Cornwall in the UK. I'll admit I hopped on a train once in a while because 80 miles a day added up to a few too many for me, but I got there!
If someone was thinking about volunteering, what would you tell them?
Go for it. We'd love to have you! It's a very welcoming atmosphere.
In just a few words, what does Springs Food Pantry mean to you?
It's my privilege to serve my community, even in a small way.
⚡ Lightning Round
☕ Coffee or tea? Coffee.
🌅 Favorite thing about Springs? You're never more than two minutes from the bay, wherever you are.
🥕 Favorite Pantry item? Fresh lettuce from the local farm stands.
🌽 Favorite local restaurant, farm, or East End spot? Barnes Hole Beach.
📚 Favorite book, movie, or TV show? The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion series.
💙 One word that describes Springs Food Pantry? Kindness.
😊 One thing that always makes you smile? My dog, Maisie!
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