Two volunteers lauded for their contributions to our mission

April 21, 2015

By Gwen Guerke, Communications Coordinator

The Food Bank of Delaware’s Annual Dinner is an opportunity to recognize those who support our vision of a community free of hunger. On Thursday, April 16 we celebrated our top supporters at the Milford facility, and over the next couple of days, we’ll be highlighting the work of this year’s honorees.

We simply could not accomplish our goals without the help of loyal and dedicated volunteers. Two of them shared the Volunteer of the Year 2015 honors.

There were two winners this year because both of these gentlemen are so committed, they each deserve the honor, so in alphabetical order:

Volunteer of the Year: James Buford

James Buford, known has Mr. James, has volunteered at the Newark branch since 2011, logging more than 1,500 hours of service.

Because he has been willing to help wherever and whenever there’s a need he is “truly a leader among Food Bank of Delaware volunteers,” said CEO Pat Beebe. He assists at most of the mobile pantries in New Castle County, does program outreach, is site coordinator for seven senior meal box site, and does most of the site monitoring for our Senior Nutrition Program in New Castle County.

In addition to all that hard work, he is known for having a friendly smile and treating people with dignity and respect.

Volunteer of the Year: Rich Simpson

Rich Simpson volunteers five days a week in the kitchen at the Newark facility, and has donated more than 467 hours since 2013.

His willing service helps make sure Delaware children have access to after-school and summer meals. Each day, he pulls out the food needed for the day, and then he sets up an assembly line for other volunteers.

He, too, is described as a leader because he has the skills to guide other volunteers, unload orders, and fill out appropriate paperwork and answer questions.

“Rich is dependable and committed,” Pat told those attending this year’s dinner.

The bottom line is that the Food Bank of Delaware relies on volunteers to get the job done, and there’s always room for more willing hands and big hearts. Volunteers can help in many ways, including sorting and packing, preparing children’s meals and assisting with clerical duties, just to name a few.

Visit www.fbd.volunteerhub.com to see how you can help, then sign up to join our volunteer team.