After retiring from the U.S. Treasury Department, I sought an opportunity to help people at risk of hunger. This came when a position opened at the Capital Area Food Bank earlier this year. After serving as the Part Time Volunteer Coordinator for nine months, I am personally gratified and get to continually witness the impact the food bank makes in the community.
The highlight of my work came on Thanksgiving Eve – a time when seniors and young people lined up to receive a meal, a bag of food and a turkey at the food bank’s D.C. warehouse. I helped coordinate the distribution of all the food. Folks were already in good spirits to receive the bounty of food, however, when they encountered a surprise visit from President Obama, their excitement could hardly be contained. It was a real joy seeing faces brighten up upon meeting our nation’s leader. It was truly a special moment.
After it was over, the feedback I received was touching. One of the attendees commented that an older family member, who is a member of Refreshing Springs Church, called him after the Thanksgiving giveaway and told him she had just met the President and his family. He said that the woman is normally very quiet but it “warmed his heart” to hear her go on about “being fed, getting a turkey and trimmings and meeting President Obama.” This was probably the typical reaction of the majority of seniors that visited the food bank on that special day.
This first year has been outstanding. I am proud to have the privilege to work with great volunteers and staff at the Capital Area Food Bank. I look forward to year two as we move to into our new facility and expand our outreach and services.