Retirement gave Georgia Martin something new to pursue, but what she found through volunteering became much more than she expected.
When Georgia Martin retired from Illinois State University in 2023 after 34 years in office administration, she wasn’t looking for recognition. She was looking for a way to serve. A friend, Sue A., encouraged her to volunteer at Midwest Food Bank. Sue’s enthusiasm and dedication made an impression, and Georgia decided to give it a try. We’re grateful she did.
Since joining the volunteer team, Georgia has become someone who simply says “yes” wherever help is needed. She started as a Loyal Loader, then learned new roles as Pick Lead, Traffic Hut Manager, Drinks Manager, and Cold Replenisher. Ask her what her favorite job is, and she’ll tell you she doesn’t really have one. She tells people, “I try to jump in wherever needed.”
That willingness says a lot about who Georgia is. She enjoys seeing how every volunteer and every task fits together. Whether someone is loading food, stocking products, or preparing orders, everyone is working toward the same goal of helping neighbors facing hunger. When asked what keeps her coming back, her answer was short and heartfelt. “The people, the mission, purpose.”
Volunteering has also changed the way Georgia sees her community. She says it has given her a deeper awareness of just how many people need help. Talking with our nonprofit partners has shown her the size of the need and scale, but it has also shown her what people can accomplish when they work together. One question asked if there was a single moment that has stayed with her since she began volunteering. Georgia couldn’t choose just one.
"It's every time I look around and see God providing and working through so many different people to accomplish His purpose."
She was also surprised by the number of volunteers who make Midwest Food Bank run each day. “They all work together like a busy beehive.” That image feels fitting. Every volunteer has a different job, but together they make it possible for food to reach families across our communities.
When asked what she wishes more people understood about Midwest Food Bank, Georgia spoke about both the magnitude of the need and the magnitude of the work being done. She hopes more people see just how much can be accomplished when volunteers, donors, and community partners come together.
Her encouragement for anyone thinking about volunteering is simple.“Take that step. You will be blessed.” We couldn’t say it better ourselves. Georgia’s kindness, flexibility, and servant’s heart have made an impact on our team. She doesn’t seek attention. She simply shows up, works hard, and helps wherever she’s needed. Volunteers like Georgia remind us that the strength of Midwest Food Bank isn’t found in one person or one role. It’s found in people who quietly give their time to serve others.
Georgia, thank you for saying yes, for serving with joy, and for being such an important part of the Midwest Food Bank family.
