Volunteer finds reward in helping others

May 28, 2019

At the Food Bank of Delaware, we like to say volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization.

Tom Hutchins of Frederica is one of those generous volunteers. He retired from the former Dover Sears store, and to fulfill obligations for unemployment compensation, he started volunteering at the Milford branch in November.

Then he realized he enjoyed the opportunity to help food-insecure Delawareans as well as socialize with other volunteers during the four-hour shift.  Volunteers help by sorting and packing food donations, creating meal boxes, assembling weekend food backpacks for children, and much more. Last year, we had 15,601 volunteer visits, the equivalent of 40,162 hours or almost 19 full-time staff.

Like most of our volunteers, Tom discovered there were other benefits to volunteering at the Food Bank. “I like to talk to people,” he said.

And while Tom enjoys the packing and sorting, he has also volunteered to help in the small garden at the Food Bank. “I do my own gardening, tomatoes and peppers just for me,” he said. “I eat what I grow.”

He’s also become quite the ambassador for the Food Bank. “I mention it all the time, at church (Christ Church of Dover), and to my friends. When my time was up with unemployment in January, I just stayed. It’s nice to get out and lend a hand. I’m planning on staying,” Tom said.

Visit www.fbd.volunteerhub.com to learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Food Bank of Delaware, both in Milford and Newark. Volunteers can select time slots to suit their personal schedules.

Thank you, Tom, for your generous contributions of your time and your skills!