Featured Volunteer – Dave Miller

Come out for a weekend delivery or a weekday pickup, and you’re likely to see longtime volunteer Dave Miller. Dave’s been lending us his time and muscle for almost five years now. He has experienced (many times over) the challenges and rewards of being an OHAAT volunteer.

“We’ve delivered several double-reclining sofas through narrow doorways,” recalls Dave. “And, boy, are they heavy and hard to handle!” It’s not uncommon for OHAAT volunteers to take the front door off its hinges when delivering an oversized sofa. With a little luck, the extra inch that’s gained by removing the door is just enough to squeeze the sofa through.

But for Dave, the most difficult deliveries are those that require climbing multiple flights of stairs. He once delivered to a family living in a six-floor walkup, where the stair turned 180 degrees at the end of each flight.

Despite delivery challenges, Dave continues to return week after week. To him, it is clear that OHAAT makes a difference. “Supplying furniture, beds and other items for people who clearly need them—the people see that we really care about them and really want to help them.”

When asked about his most memorable volunteer experience, Dave shared this heartwarming anecdote. “One summer morning when we were delivering beds to a family with several young boys, one of the boys exclaimed, ‘This is the best day of my life!’ On every delivery, the families give you a feeling that you are indeed making a big difference in their lives. The children are thrilled to have a new bed and new bedding of their own. This is truly the real reward.”