For Dave, Sandy, and their son John, volunteering is something they do together as a family.
“I was surprised by the need,” Dave recalls from his first food bank volunteer experience in Northern Illinois. “I didn’t see it in my everyday life, but it was out there.”
After moving to Florida to be near relatives, one of the first things they did was find the local food bank and start volunteering three days a week.
“It’s fun, welcoming, and once you start, you really understand the need,” says Sandy.
The family volunteers at three Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida locations: the main Orlando distribution center, Mercy Kitchen and the Brevard Branch in Melbourne.
They have helped sort food donations from grocery stores and community food drives, ensuring food is safe and ready for distribution to local food pantries and neighbors facing hunger. They’ve also worked on the assembly line at Mercy Kitchen, packing boxes of food for delivery to homebound seniors and veterans.
“From the moment we came in, we had a new home,” adds Dave, emphasizing the importance of regular volunteerism as a part of their family’s routine and sense of community.
John says helping others is what motivates him to volunteer. As an Eagle Scout, he is continuing his commitment to community service as a food bank volunteer.
The family signs up to volunteer through the food bank’s website. They can easily see which dates are available and which shifts need the most help.
“We just keep asking, ‘What can we do?” explains Dave.
Thanks to volunteers like Dave, Sandy, and John, more kids, families, and seniors in Central Florida are able to get the food they need to thrive.
