Volunteer Spotlight - Austin Bielefeldt

OHAAT is delighted to celebrate one of our teen volunteers. Austin has done a little bit of everything while volunteering with the Beds for Kids program - delivering beds to children in need, helping out at the warehouse, holding donation drives, doing laundry, and showing off his juggling skills while promoting OHAAT at multiple community events. He is an inspirational person, and OHAAT is lucky to have him on our team of volunteers.

Tell us a little about yourself and how OHAAT's mission motivated you to volunteer with the Beds for Kids program? 

My name is Austin Bielefeldt, and I am 15 years old. I am on the Abington track and field team, and I enjoy juggling. OHAAT’s mission motivated me to volunteer there rather than the other places where I could spend my time. The other volunteers and workers were all welcoming and comforting, there were things for each person to do no matter the age or skill level, and the idea of helping children under the poverty level makes me feel like I'm really doing something good for the world. 

Do you have any favorite experiences at OHAAT, or any that have left an impression on you?

One of my favorite experiences volunteering at OHAAT was when I got to go out on delivery. I have done this twice and the drivers were all amazing people and were full of different stories to talk about. Besides the other workers, I loved being able to see the people who we were serving, seeing their reactions and how happy they were. My favorite house I went to was when we had to climb 4 stories through the narrow hallways, and the whole time the woman's daughter was freaking out with excitement. Our deliveries were clearly a surprise. This interaction left such an impression on me because instead of just packing the bags, I got to see just how much our work affects people. 

What would you tell your peers to encourage them to volunteer with the Beds for Kids program?

I encourage my peers to volunteer at OHAAT because it is not extremely difficult to work, and you get to help children have better lives. Plus, the experience is always enjoyable.

What is your favorite book to read at bedtime, or was when you were little?

When I was younger, my favorite books to read before bed were the Harry Potter books. They are so interesting and fun to read. However, I stayed up too late reading them, later than my parents would have liked.