Thirty Year Thursday: Hassan Muwwakkil

To celebrate our thirtieth year anniversary, we’re interviewing a friend of MAC each Thursday for thirty weeks as part of a series call “Thirty Year Thursday.” This week, we interviewed Hassan Muwwakkil, MAC’s AARP clothing closet volunteer.

What initially drew you to volunteer at MAC?

At first, I didn’t know anything about MAC. AARP thought my skills would match MAC’s environment. I enjoy working with people and helping those in need. Meeting Dorothy and the staff and seeing their personality and outlook helped with the decision to begin volunteering.

What was you first impression of MAC?

I liked seeing people come in for help and seeing the respect they were given by the staff and volunteers.

Has that impression changed?

My initial impression has continued and expanded. I have noticed that MAC staff looks at its overall operations and goals and asks clients what more can be done for them.

How has your experience at MAC influenced you?

It has been a rewarding experience. I have enjoyed meeting the other volunteers and seeing their dedication to helping people. What I see here supports what I have observed over my life; people are very charitable and bring about positive change. Of course, life has negatives and positives, but people usually want to help others.

Do you have a favorite story from your time at MAC?

I have just really enjoyed how the work crosses different backgrounds. The volunteers are very charitable, caring, and open-minded, and working with so many different people has been a new and good experience. We hear quite enough about the negativity in the world, but you can’t see the positive unless you become involved in it yourself.