Woman without work turns to volunteering

Marissa Rox, 31, hasn’t worked for months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but she has been spending her days volunteering at Lend a Hand Bahamas, where she said she is able to clear her mind and help others.

Like many other Bahamians, Rox, a Baha Mar employee, was furloughed earlier this year when the resort shut its doors in response to rising COVID cases in the country and the slowdown of tourism across the globe.

The mother of two said while she misses her job, she’s doing what she can to stay busy and trying to remain encouraged.

“I am employed at Baha Mar and I’m not at work,” Rox said.

“And I miss my job. Lord knows I miss my job. But it takes my mind off of everything else. Everything that is going on at home with the bills, now I can come here and just get lost in the bags. Just help to pack, field the calls all day, listen to other people, help them. I feel like if I can help someone else, I feel like my problems are minuscule.”

She added, “There’s nothing you can do but keep encouraged and pray.

“…I haven’t collected NIB for some four weeks. So, I have no income coming in. I have two children in virtual learning. But I am still making a way for me and them. I have a husband who just went back to work in construction. So, all I can tell people is to stay encouraged. There is going to be a way. Something is going to happen for you to push forward. When you reach the bottom, there’s only one place to go.” 

Lend a Hand Bahamas has been helping with food assistance on New Providence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rox, who helps to pack grocery bags for distribution at the nonprofit organization, said she began volunteering in September.

“I’m used to volunteering, so it’s nothing for me,” she said.

“And I’m at home with nothing to do. So, I might as well put myself to good use. And this was good use.”

Rox continued, “I’ve known and I have seen firsthand that there are people out there whose families have had it hard. And if I can do something to help, it’s always good to be a blessing to someone else.”

With Baha Mar having announced plans to begin a phased reopening on December 17, Rox said she is anxious to get back to work. But she said she’ll continue to volunteer her time at Lend a Hand Bahamas.

“I can’t wait,” she said.

“I miss my job. But I told them even though I’ll be at work, I’d still like to come out and assist.

“…It’s not going to be the same amount of time, but I’m still going to donate my time.”

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/woman-without-work-turns-to-volunteering/