Meet Tammy. After 35 years with the Department of Defense, she retired in 2016 but realized she wanted to stay busy. In 2019, she and her husband began volunteering with the Foodbank. They started serving on Saturdays, a fast-paced day in the warehouse sorting frozen meat products.
Although all volunteer activities were temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, Tammy and Jerry returned in full force when the doors opened back up to volunteers. They quickly became reliable, regular volunteers for our drive-thru distributions. Rain, snow, sleet, or sun, the couple could be found serving neighbors facing hunger in the Foodbank’s parking lot every month.
“It’s heartwarming to be a part of helping people,” Tammy said. “To see the smile on their face, to hear the gratefulness in their voice — that’s why the Foodbank is here.”
In fall 2023, Tammy also began volunteering at the front desk in Akron. A few times each month, you can find her answering phones, directing volunteer questions, and serving as the friendly face in our lobby.
With the opening of the new Venarge Family Food Pantry in January, Tammy found yet another way to serve neighbors in need. It’s committed and passionate volunteers like Tammy and Jerry who make this work happen.
Thank you to Tammy, Jerry, and all our dedicated volunteers for choosing to feed people and fight hunger. We appreciate you!