by Xochitl Campos
Daily Lobo
UNM ROTC Army cadet Anthony Tuero said volunteering at Project Share is more than serving chicken and pumpkin-spice pie.
"We talk to (the homeless), cheer them up and let them know that we are here to help," he said.
About six cadets volunteered Friday at Project Share, a nonprofit organization that serves meals to the homeless of Albuquerque.
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Patrick Jaite said he eats three to five times a week at Project Share, at 1515 Yale Blvd.
Jaite said Project Share is the best place to go for a meal in comparison to other places in Albuquerque.
The majority of Project Share's clientele are attracted to the larger serving sizes and quality of food provided, he said.
He said many of Project Share's clients are regulars.
"Most of the people know each other, and it is just like any other community," he said.
Tuero said it is part of the ROTC code to give back to the community.
"Usually one of our cadets will set up a service project and we will all come here and help out," Tuero said.
The ROTC is not the only group of students volunteering, said Don Cobbs, operations manager of Project Share. He said several organizations and sororities affiliated with the University volunteer at Project Share on a regular basis.
"Every other week I have a group scheduled to serve," Cobbs said.
Jaite said he sees many of the same volunteer groups on a regular basis.
"Mostly churches come in once a month or twice a month," he said.
Cobbs said Project Share is funded by donations and grants collected from state and city government. The organization serves approximately 125 people every night. It is open six nights a week and welcomes everyone.
The organization depends on volunteers like the ROTC, Cobbs said. The money it receives from the city is contingent upon the number of hours put in by volunteers.
Cadet Jessica Herrera said she gets a lot out of volunteering. She said making the people she helps happy is rewarding.
"A lot of them are very grateful," Herrera said.
