National Volunteer Week

Photo: Michelle Lytle Photography

 
Did you know this week is National Volunteer Week?

Established in 1974 by then President Richard Nixon, National Volunteer Week focuses on inspiring and encouraging individuals to be at the center of social change and engage their respective community organizations, like the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The Food Depository has a long history of volunteerism and community support, starting at its very beginning, founded by a small group of volunteers back in 1979 in a Chicago warehouse.  Today, tens of thousands of generous and dedicated individuals donate their time to help promote the Food Depository's goal of ending hunger in Cook County, helping to distribute 69 million pounds of nonperishable food and fresh produce, dairy products and meat (the equivalent of 145,000 meals every day) last year alone.

Service in Numbers

• 15,613: The number of individuals who've volunteered at the Greater Chicago Food Depository over the last nine months (not including multiple visits!)
• 1,800: The hours of service donated by administrative volunteers in 2011.
• 250,000: The pounds of corn harvested by 50 Food Depository volunteers last summer.
• 720: The number of volunteers who participate in repack sessions each week.
• 300:  The number of volunteers who helped at Food Shows last year.
• 1,400:  The hours of service donated by 385 volunteers at the 2011 Hunger Walk.
• 21: The number of years Volunteer of the Year, Julian Blumenthal, has been volunteering at the Food Depository.

 

The Greater Chicago Food Depository offers multiple volunteer opportunities for you, your family or your company to get involved and give back in the Food Depository's campaign to provide food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community.

For more information about volunteer and service opportunities, check out the Greater Chicago Food Depository's Volunteer Page.