This month I found myself running checkout at the food pantry instead of running carts.  While this position is less interaction with the customers, I think I was better suited for this role.  Basically, a customer gives me a card with a number on it, and based on that number I grab a box full of certain food, give them a certain number of meat bags, and any other extra food we give out at the end.  This position was a better fit for me because it involved quick calculations, and I could easily handle them.  Also, the person who used to run that spot always referred to a clipboard instead of just figuring out the numbers in their head.  Without having to consult the clipboard every time, I was able to get customers out quicker, and reduce the time they waited in line before being able to leave.  A problem we faced very early on in the month was rain.  When it rains it's really bad for the paper bags that hold most of the food, so we had to come up with a way to stop the rain from getting on the bags.  We decided to use an awning that is located in the rear of the building.  Basically, at checkout I had the customers write their name on a card, then tape the card to their cart.  While the customers went to go drive their car over to the awning, a volunteer kept an eye on everyone’s belongings.  Finally, as the cars pulled up, the volunteers took their belongings and put them into the car so the customer could leave.  This method turned out to be a bit of a hassle at first, but eventually we realized it was a much better alternative than letting the paper bags get wet and break.  This real-life dilemma was a perfect example of an exercise in problem solving and teamwork.