Volunteer Spotlight: Masha Boyko

In the height of the pandemic, Masha saw a Facebook post from one of the Newton Food Pantry’s Russian volunteers, looking for help during COVID. “I tried different things: packing bags, when distribution was outside, I was a runner and packer. I helped customers make choices, whatever is needed.” she says. “This year I have been a shift leader several times, client greeter, and I also do some Russian produce shopping. Once Regina [Wu, Newton Food Pantry president] asked me to help, I thought it was something I could do.”

Masha has already had a profound impact on our Russian-speaking clients, most of whom are older and some of whom speak very little English. When they realize she speaks Russian, they instantly feel at ease. “Some of them don’t want to speak Russian because they are confident in English,” she says, “They think that if they speak Russian people will think their English isn’t good.” But knowing that she understands them provides an instant connection.

Masha recently began shopping for our pantry, specifically for regional specialties that will remind Russian shoppers of home. “The majority of Russian shoppers are seniors, so I try to buy things that were popular in the Soviet Union when they lived there,” she notes, “things like eggplant caviar, marinated herring, cheese spread, gingerbread, maybe pickled cabbage.” Providing these regional specialties has helped make our Russian shoppers feel much more connected to the Newton Food Pantry.

Seeing the difference she’s able to make in the community, and specifically being of service to Russian-speaking clients has deepened Masha’s commitment to the Newton Food Pantry. “They are doing a great job. I’m really impressed that people can get food and all they need to live in Newton,” she says. “I will keep volunteering at the Newton Food Pantry. It’s a good organization to be part of.”