Volunteers find rewards in lending a hand to the Food Bank of Delaware

April 8, 2015

By Gwen Guerke, Communications Coordinator

Here at the Food Bank of Delaware we have a special place in our heart for volunteers. After all, they help us fight hunger in Delaware every single day.

Violet Sorden of Milford signed up to volunteer at our Milford site in February. She retired from the state Division of Social Services after 28 years and had become caregiver for her father, but she decided to volunteer in order ”to do something to get out of the house.”

So she comes in each week to help Missy Holochwost, our Senior Nutrition and Mobile Pantry Coordinator, with clerical tasks.

What a perfect match!

“I was a little nervous at first, but everybody here is really friendly. I definitely enjoy it,” Violet said.

As a social service professional, Violet is familiar with the paperwork tied to programs that assist people in need.

So Missy set up a mini-desk/workstation next to the window where Violet makes phone calls or sends out letters during the 6-8 hours a week she volunteers.

“I really missed all of this,” she said. “I enjoyed talking to people on the phone.”

Her time benefits everyone, including our clients.

“This really hit the bell for both of us. I do multiple programs, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without physical help with all the paperwork,” said Missy.

The Food Bank of Delaware offers many volunteer opportunities, including stacking, sorting and packing food donations, preparing and packing meals for children and creating meal boxes that go to seniors and families.

Last year, there were 15,691 volunteer visits to the Food Bank, totaling 41,455 hours or the equivalent of 19 full-time staff members.

Volunteers are always welcome and opportunities can be found at www.fbd.volunteerhub.com!