Meet the BH Team - Kim Silverman

by Angela Malizia

Meet Kim, a Backyard Humanitarian who has volunteered for BH projects including; Holiday Gift Bags for Veterans, Coat Drives, Hope In Motion Cancer Walks, Hands for Life CPR Event, Jesse Lewis Playground Cleanup, BH Meals & Music at the Soup Kitchen and more.  

Kim's coat drive project with young students helped to inspire foundational ideas for our coat drive project development with other schools. Kim's genuinely warm, kind, easy going way makes all this work seem effortless but it takes a lot of dedication to accomplish so much and we are thankful for her and appreciate her valuable contributions! 

1. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN PROJECT?
I had attended a few Zumba fundraisers but my first “work” was on the 2011 Coat Drive.  I helped sort and tag coats at Mario’s Cleaners. 
 
2.WHAT IS A FAVORITE OR MEANINGFUL BH MOMENT?
After Hurricane Sandy, BH helped collect items that were needed in the Breezy Point area.  I helped sort the items and then deliver to Breezy Point.  Seeing the devastation there was mind blowing, it truly makes you realize you are lucky to have what you do.  After delivering the items, they needed help sorting all that they already had.  We had a good team of people there that offered to help and that meant so much to them, as we were able to do the work that would’ve taken them much longer.  Knowing you were giving something to people that had nothing also really made me appreciate what I have.  Having even a little is more than some people had then.

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BEING A BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN?
I love that I am helping people right here in Stamford.  BH is comprised of the most caring people.  I love that it doesn’t matter how much I can give, every little moment is worth something. 
 
4. CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIAL BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN EXPERIENCE?
I had helped prepare and serve lunch at the Soup Kitchen.  It was such an emotional experience.   Seeing all those people lined up to get something to eat really tugged at my heart, knowing they struggle for meals.  I’m so happy Stamford offers a place where people can get a good free meal without any judgement. 
 
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?
I play soccer and softball.  I enjoy going to the movies, relaxing on the couch, and spending time with my family and friends.  I especially love getting to visit my nieces and nephews, whom all live out of state. 
 
6. WHAT IS SOMETHING SPECIAL TO YOU ABOUT STAMFORD? 
I was born and raised in Stamford and love the diversity of this city.  It has changed a lot over the years, but the community feel is there.  Stamford offers a lot to do and see. 

7. IN A WORD WHAT DOES BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN MEAN TO YOU?
Caring!
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