Volunteers Needed to Pack Emergency Family Boxes
June 21, 2010
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma urgently needs volunteers to help sort and pack an additional 4.2 million pounds of food and household products by the end of September.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of this organization,” said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank. “Without them, we can’t get food to those who need it. We really need the community’s support right now to get food and household products sorted and out the door this summer.”
More than 500,000 Oklahomans struggle with hunger every day. Sadly, the need is even greater during the summer months – utility bills soar and children are out of school and without access to the school breakfast and lunch programs.
To meet the increase in need, the Regional Food Bank received a grant to purchase additional food and household products. Volunteers are now needed to pack the product into Emergency Family Boxes, which are designed to provide short-term relief for low-income families.
“We need to distribute an extra million pounds of product each month,” Bivens said. “Donating a few hours of your time will make a huge difference in the life of a hungry Oklahoman.”
Individual volunteer hours are available Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until noon and 1 to 4 p.m. with no appointment necessary. Weeknight and Sunday volunteer opportunities are available by appointment. The Regional Food Bank is located at 3355 S. Purdue in Oklahoma City.
Groups of five or more can schedule a volunteer time by calling 405.600.3154. The Regional Food Bank can accommodate groups as large as 200 with advance notice and planning.
Starting this Saturday, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma will give away vouchers to the Oklahoma City Redhawks to the first 100 volunteers that arrive at 9 a.m. and the first 100 volunteers that show up at 1 p.m. on Saturdays through July. The Volunteer Center will be closed July 3 through 5 in observance of Independence Day.
To schedule an appointment, or to volunteer, contact Jamie Treadaway at 405.600.3154 or e-mail jtreadaway@regionalfoodbank.org. For more information, visit regionalfoodbank.org.
