The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank recognized dedicated volunteers during National Volunteer Month, honoring businesses, individuals and organizations making a significant impact on local hunger relief.
The Foodbank relies heavily on volunteer support at both its Main Campus in Akron and its Stark County Campus in Canton. In 2025, it hosted more than 11,000 volunteers who donated more than 78,000 hours of service. Volunteer efforts helped provide 2.3 million meals last year.
Volunteers sort and pack donations in the Foodbank’s warehouses, help at both onsite food pantries, build food boxes for older adults, drive to pick up and deliver food donations, make home deliveries for neighbors who have mobility and transportation challenges and so much more.
“Our volunteers are the heart of our mission. Their compassion, dedication and willingness to show up for neighbors make everything we do possible,” said Foodbank President and CEO Dan Flowers. “Every hour they give strengthens our community and they turn compassion into action every single day. Our volunteers are nothing short of extraordinary.”
As part of its annual awards, the Foodbank honors three categories at each campus: Organization Volunteer Group of the Year, Corporate Volunteer Group of the Year and Individual Volunteer of the Year.
Main Campus Award Winners
Thomas Lindenberger, 70, of Akron has been recognized as the Individual Volunteer of the Year. He visited the Foodbank 131 times in 2025 and contributed 412 hours of service.
“Thom is a longtime, dedicated pantry volunteer who is always willing to help wherever he’s needed and serves neighbors with dignity and respect,” said Sarah Brown, pantry supervisor of The Venarge Family Food Pantry at the Foodbank’s Main Campus in Akron. “His positive, can-do attitude is deeply appreciated, and his flexibility over the years has made a lasting impact — from meat packing to drive-thru distributions to now supporting the pantry. We can always count on him.”
The Corporate Volunteer of the Year recognition was awarded to LyondellBasell. They regularly visit the Foodbank with groups from their local offices and contributed more than 100 hours last year. Their partnership has helped strengthen Foodbank operations, including enabling the addition of a stretch-wrap baler machine, allowing the Foodbank to recycle shrink-wrap plastic and move forward in its sustainability efforts.
“LYB is committed to being a responsible, good neighbor in the communities where we operate,” said Tina Biasella, external affairs advisor for the organization. “Volunteering promotes teamwork and encourages our employees to engage in their communities.”
The Cuyahoga Valley Ski Club was recognized as the Organization Volunteer Group of the Year. The group volunteers at both campuses and attends Foodbank special events. The group contributed more than 225 hours of service in 2025.
“Our most memorable moments have been when we are asked to work in the pantry, interacting with the people who visit the Foodbank,” said Sharon Kaffen, ski club member. “It reminds us of the tremendous need in our community.”
Stark County Campus Award Winners
Marilyn Poulos, 89, of Canton was recognized as the Individual Volunteer of the Year. Last year, she visited the Foodbank 73 times and contributed 217 service hours.
“Marilyn is a standout volunteer, making friends with everyone she volunteers with,” said Tanae Walls, warehouse specialist at the Foodbank’s Stark County Campus. “She is a kind teacher with children, a mentor to groups with special needs and a friend to adults. Each project she works on is completed with love and intentionality.”
The Corporate Volunteer of the Year award went to Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa. Gervasi has partnered with the Foodbank for many years. They volunteer in both the pantry and warehouse, helped install pantry shelving, hosted a food drive and donated prepared meals to the Foodbank’s Community Harvest program.
“We volunteer because we believe no one in our community should go without access to nourishing meals,” said Andrea Hartman, Gervasi marketing director. “Supporting food security is a natural extension of our mission to care for people, and we are proud to stand alongside the Foodbank in helping fight hunger and strengthen the community we call home.”
The Organization Volunteer Group of the Year was awarded to Faith Family Church. Volunteers from the church completed 172 service hours and sent 10 volunteers to the Foodbank’s Stark County Campus last year. The group has been supporting the Foodbank since 2017.
“We believe we can accomplish great things when we all work together,” said Lacie Simpson, outreach administrator at Faith Family. “As a local church, we value partnership and collaboration and are grateful to be able to use our gifts to serve our community.”
To learn more about the Foodbank’s volunteer opportunities, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/volunteer.