When Victoria first walked into the Oceanside Sanctuary Food Pantry, she wasn’t looking for a new calling, or even a job—she was just dropping off donations. But a simple invitation to help unload boxes changed everything. In this moving episode of The Collective Table Podcast, host Jason Coker shares how a simple act of kindness became another chapter in Victoria’s lifelong journey of compassion—and what her story teaches us about the enduring power of empathy.

From her parents’ immigrant journey from Costa Rica and Guatemala, to her own path through loss, burnout, and quiet resilience, Victoria embodies compassion in action. Along the way, Jason explores what science and scripture both teach us: that empathy is more than emotion—it’s the engine of compassion, courage, and community.

Featuring reflections from pantry volunteers and deep dives into research and gospel stories, this episode invites us to ask:
When does empathy call us to cross the boundaries of comfort, and when does it become the bridge that heals?

Quiet. Sad. Hopeful. This is Victoria’s story—and the story of how empathy transforms us all.

PS: The Collective Table is a production of The Oceanside Sanctuary Church. Click here to learn more about us and our mission