Cheryl and Rod Allison have been volunteering at the Williamsport Healthy Food Hub for the past 5 years. They come once a month with a group known as Fabulous Food Packers.
“We heard about the Food Bank from another Fabulous Food Packer that I met at the Y,” recalls Cheryl. “I thought that would be a wonderful way for my husband and I to give back to the community.”
When the Allison’s moved to Williamsport they wanted to not only meet new people, they wanted to be part of a community. Volunteering was a great way to do both.
“The very first time that we finished volunteering, we were both standing inside and we both knew that our hearts were so full. So, we continued to come back each month. It’s just so real… it’s just such a beautiful thing for my husband and me. We’re not super outgoing people, but we can do this and be helpful,” said Cheryl.
Each year the Williamsport Healthy Food Hub co-hosts a holiday distribution with American Rescue Workers, a partner agency of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Neighbors in need would come to the distribution and pick up a holiday meal. Many volunteers signed up to help, including the Allison’s. 
“It was the first Christmas that we volunteered. It was such a memorable experience for Rod and me, because we realized that all walks of life come for help. And you know, it could be anybody that has fallen on hard times. We were just so grateful to be able to greet them and make them comfortable, because some people have a hard time asking for help. This realization that anybody could fall on hard times and the Food Bank is there for them, was so comforting.”
The past 24 months have changed how food distributions look due to safety protocols. While the look might have changed, the thankfulness and hope that was provided to thousands who are working to get back on their feet had not. We could not do this work alone. Volunteers are the heart of the mission that give their time to make sure no one goes hungry.
April is National Volunteer Month and we wanted to take time the thousands of volunteers who keep our operation running throughout the years. We couldn’t do the work we do without our dedicated volunteers and we thank each and every one of them from the bottom of our hearts.
To volunteer, please sign up today online!
Anyone, Anywhere Can Volunteer Virtually.
1. Start a virtual food drive or online fundraiser
Consider, “volunteering” to start a virtual food drive. A Virtual food drive allows you to help many more of your neighbors in need by raising funds for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The Food Bank can purchase food in bulk quantities at less-than-wholesale prices including fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and center-of-the-plate proteins which can’t be donated in a traditional food drive. The $1 that you might spend on one can of green beans can provide 6 full meals through a virtual food drive. It is a simple and immediate way to help end hunger in central Pennsylvania. Start one today!
2. Get on social
You can help spread the word about food assistance in your area or ways your family and friends can give back to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank simply by following us and sharing our posts. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter ,LinkedIn
3. Fight for the programs that help end hunger
Our neighbors need more support than what we can provide on our own. Help us build a powerful movement. Together, government, employers, communities, neighbors, and others can address the root causes of food insecurity to ensure that every family has access to adequate food and nutrition by becoming a digital advocate. Sign up today!