Celebrating Our Volunteers: A Community Within a Community
On Tuesday, August 12, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic. The room was filled with laughter, stories, and the familiar faces of those who give so much of their time and energy to make a difference in our community.
Over the past year, the volunteer program has continued to grow into something far greater than a schedule of shifts and tasks. It has become a community within a community—a place where friendships are built, encouragement flows freely, and kindness is the common language. The connections created within our walls ripple outward, directly touching lives throughout the Southern Tier in ways that are both tangible and immeasurable.
Volunteers show up not only with their time and skills, but also with their hearts. Day after day, they give of themselves to help build and sustain hunger-free communities across the region. Their presence is a reminder that compassion and generosity are powerful forces for change.
In times of uncertainty, the words of Mr. Rogers offer a powerful reminder:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
At the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, there is no need to look far—the helpers are right here. Volunteers are the living embodiment of hope in action, compassion in motion, and the very best of what humanity can be.
To all of our volunteers: thank you for showing up. Thank you for building this community. Thank you for being the helpers. The Southern Tier is stronger, kinder, and more connected because of you.
