Volunteer Spotlight: Doug Druliner
April 12, 2017
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! Throughout the month we will highlight the stories of volunteers who are committed to creating a community free of hunger!
Doug Druliner is no stranger at the Food Bank of Delaware. He’s been volunteering at the Newark warehouse for more than 12 years and has volunteered his time in both the kitchen and volunteer room.
Doug got his start at the Food Bank through his employer. Now that he is retired, he continues to give back.
“I had volunteered a few times when I was still working,” he says. “My company gave us one day a year to volunteer. I always thought that food was one of the most fundamental things that so many people need. This is something I could do.”
Once a week, Doug helps out in the Volunteer Room with a variety of tasks.
“I like the variety,” he says. “And every time you come in, there seems to be something different.”
Some days Doug helps pack milk in coolers for the children’s after school meal program, while other days he helps sort donated food or inspects fresh produce.
Every day is different, but the purpose of the Food Bank remains just as important, he says.
Volunteering gives Doug a sense of pride.
“I was very fortunate; I had a long productive career so now it’s a chance to try and give back something to the community. You read so many things all the time in the news that there is a big need,” he says.
Volunteers, like Doug, are the heart and soul of the Food Bank of Delaware. Last year, the Food Bank received more than 18,000 visits from volunteers. In total, volunteers donated 46,123 hours – the equivalent of
almost 22 full-time staff members! The tasks they complete are critical to ensuring a smooth, efficient operation.
Food Bank volunteers are friendly, too, says Doug!
“The time really goes quickly. you get here and you get involved in different things so it’s enjoyable as well as being a really useful thing.”
Thank you, Doug, for your commitment to a community free of hunger! To learn more about volunteering at the Food Bank of Delaware, please click here.
