Last November, the tennis team at Nazareth Academy High School decided – at the suggestion of campus ministry director Theresa Stanton – to do some volunteer work for Caring for Friends.
The timing wasn’t perfect, as the season was nearing its end, but Regina Durrant was hooked.
“It was fun, I enjoyed it, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” Regina said.
Regina, 15, about to start her sophomore year, cooks meals at home and delivers them to Caring for Friends, 12271 Townsend Road, which freezes them until they are delivered to a needy person.
Recently, Regina reached a big milestone – 5,000 meals cooked for Caring for Friends. CEO Vince Schiavone honored her with a certificate during one of her visits to the nonprofit’s headquarters.
Schiavone, whose agency has had a long relationship with Nazareth Academy, said Caring for Friends provides about 3 million meals a year. He said volunteers like Regina are invaluable.
“That’s how this organization has fed so many people,” he said.
Regina’s dad, Art, also plays a big role in the effort. He buys the pasta, “gravy,” rice and vegetables and drives his daughter to drop off the meals at Caring for Friends, in exchange for her doing a few chores around the house.
Art Durrant has a history with Caring for Friends, as his mom Sandra knew Rita Ungaro-Schiavone, who founded the charity back when it was known as Aid for Friends. The late Ungaro-Schiavone was the mother of the current CEO, and Vince Schiavone said he likes how Regina and her dad work together because it reminds him of how his mom involved her family in her mission.
Art Durrant said he enjoys visiting Caring for Friends because of the positive energy and the kindness of the staff and volunteers. The mission is perfect, he added.
“You see it has a direct impact,” he said.
Regina finds time to cook at least once a week despite being involved in a bunch of activities. She spends the summer competing for Torresdale Swim Club. In addition to playing tennis at Nazareth, she plays the piano and violin and is a member of the chorus, student council, mathletes and mock trial.
Regina, who attended Nazareth Academy Grade School, usually cooks on Saturdays during the school year and twice or more a week in the summer or when school is closed for an extended time. Caring for Friends supplies the trays, lids and boxes.
“They make it very easy,” Regina said.
Regina uses all the burners and a crock pot as she cooks, and said it’s not a burden knowing the meals will be going to people in need.
“It feels good to help others,” she said.
All meals have a one-year expiration, and Regina has no plans to stop filling Caring for Friends freezers with meals.
“I’m still going to continue and maybe make 10,000,” she said. ••
