Volunteer Spotlight: Jill Coull

Jill Coull, who also happens to be the founder of Jill Coull creative, a brand strategy and creative services firm with a long list of clients, has played a key role in enhancing the image of the Newton Food Pantry and creating a strategic communication plan during the past two years.

She started volunteering at the Newton’s Community Table fundraising event eight years ago where she handled event planning, décor and promotions, and hasn’t stopped playing an active role in the success of The Newton Food Pantry ever since.

“It was an amazing experience,” she says of the first Newton’s Community Table event. “I was motivated by the comradery of the volunteers in our community. Their desire to create a local, fun-filled event to benefit our neighbors in need inspired me to learn more and give back.”

And she hasn’t stopped giving back. She led the effort to rebrand the Newton Food Pantry, has served as the volunteer Communications Director for nearly two years where she leads a team of dedicated volunteers and serves as a Board member.

“When I am at our pantry space I am overwhelmed by the generosity of this community and the gratitude of our clients,” Jill says.  “The care and love and empathy are beautiful to witness.”

Most of her volunteer work is done from her home office where she juggles the demands of her growing business and the needs of her family with her Newton Food Pantry responsibilities. She wouldn’t change a thing, although a few extra hours in the day would be nice.   

When asked about her successes and challenges ahead for the Newton Food Pantry, Jill said she is particularly proud of her role in helping raise funds and reaching and “educating those in need about our services.” Her primary focus in the year ahead is to work with the Board on sustainability. “Our growth has been explosive, and we want to ensure the organization can maintain and expand our services, particularly now as the demand continues to increase.”