Alameda County Community Food Bank

Press Releases: Volunteers Donate $327K of work hours to Alameda County Community Food Bank

Contact: Kari Martell
(510) 636-4902

Volunteers Donate $327K of work hours to Alameda County Community Food Bank

Disturbing trend of declining number of volunteers noticed over past 4 years

Oakland, Calif. (8/12/05) –More than 1,900 people gave their free time to volunteer at Alameda County Community Food Bank in fiscal year 2004-2005, donating a total of 18,663 hours, valued at an estimated $327,535.65, according to Independent Sector calculations.

To thank them for their efforts, Alameda County Community Food Bank hosts its annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, Saturday, August 13, 2005, from 11 am to 3 pm at the MLK Shoreline Park in Oakland.

"Our Food Bank couldn't accomplish all that we do without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers," states Suzan Bateson, executive director. "However, we've seen a decrease in volunteer hours, from 30,743 hours in FY 01-02 to 18,663 in FY 04-05, and we're anxious to stem this tide."

Volunteers are needed for sorting, boxing, and shelving food in the warehouse and for clerical work in the office. Volunteers come from every walk of life and from a variety of community groups, schools, churches and businesses. Many of the Food Bank's top volunteers are aging, and younger volunteers are not stepping up to take their place.

One volunteer was a computer programmer for 20 years before he fell ill with Celiac disease. He is now unable to hold down a full time job. Brian now volunteers his computer expertise to the Food Bank and is enrolled in the Food Bank's Partners In Need program, receiving a 15 pound bag of groceries after working a three hour shift.

"I enjoy my time volunteering at the Food Bank so much that I've convinced my wife to come be a volunteer as well," the volunteer states.