April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time to celebrate the neighbors who make the food shelf possible each and every day.
In 2025, 688 volunteers shared their time, energy, and care in support of the community. From the first greeting to the final task of the day, volunteers are part of every aspect of the food shelf’s work.
On any given day, 35–45 volunteers help keep programs running smoothly as community needs change throughout the year. Their impact reaches far beyond food distribution. Volunteers help create a welcoming space — one where familiar faces are recognized, conversations happen naturally, and relationships grow over time.
This year also brought 275 first‑time volunteers, many of whom discovered that a simple “yes” could turn into something meaningful and lasting.
One volunteer, Andy, shared:
“I heard they needed volunteers to serve at the market on Monday nights. I thought, not sure what that means, but great — I’ll try it! It’s been multiple years now. I look forward to it every week.”
Stories like Andy’s reflect what happens again and again: people come to help, and stay for the connections. Volunteers support one another, get to know returning neighbors, and help build a stronger sense of community through consistency and care.
In 2025, volunteers donated 20,835 hours — the equivalent of 10 full‑time staff positions. Those hours represent countless moments of service, encouragement, and shared humanity.
Below are three short videos offering a glimpse into the food shelf’s programs and the meaningful work volunteers do each day. They capture just a small part of the energy, commitment, and heart that volunteers bring to this community.
To every volunteer who shows up, listens, and gives their time — THANK YOU! Your presence matters, and your impact is felt every day.
