Today I volunteered at the Foodbank in Norfolk, Virginia. I scheduled two hours at the location on Tidewater Drive – 1 – 3 p.m. In the times I have spent at this warehouse before, I worked inside sorting and boxing all types of dry goods in cans and boxes. The assignment today was to work in the warehouse again: this time we were to pack produce. I was delighted to be in the air conditioned building. It was warm outside, and I could not imagine tolerating today’s heat for long. The coordinator told us he expected a team of eight, but only half the number of volunteers showed up.
Four of us–three women and one man–bagged potatoes donated by a local farm. We had all volunteered before. We picked and sorted the good from the bad, squishy, or partially rotted potatoes. Our task was to make five-pound bags that would be donated to each family. I don’t know the final count of how many potatoes we eventually bagged, but the crate on that pallet was empty when we started. We worked non-stop to music on a radio hits playlist. I danced and sang as much as I packed – fun, yet productive time. All of these bags would be distributed to families at local mobile pantries within three days.
I volunteer with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and Eastern Shore because I believe every minute in this world, more than one person goes hungry. It’s a local organization that allows me to volunteer no more than fifteen minutes from my home to donate my time and assistance. I take the necessary precautions and get out to do something–“mask on.” I am glad to be a part of the equation to help provide a meal to someone who needs it. September is Hunger Action Month. Remember to wear orange this month in support of “hunger action.” And if you can, please give some of your time to an organization that means something special to you.
This post was inspired by a CNN article by Sandee LaMotte, Boost your mental and physical health during the pandemic by volunteering virtually