MFB nonprofit partner agencies have been seeing record needs. To help them, MFB Bloomington-Normal recently added a day (Wednesday) to our supplemental distribution week. But it was hard to find enough volunteers.
We reached out to Salem4Youth to see if they could help fill the need. Salem4Youth is a nearby ministry for young men focusing on familial restoration. According to their website, they “share the hope of Christ with young men ages 12-16, and their families in a ‘Season of Struggle.'”
They said, “Yes!” At first, Salem4Youth committed to bringing a group of boys and counselors every Wednesday of Supplemental week through the end of 2022. Just recently they offered to keep that commitment throughout 2023!
They bring a group of 10-15 boys plus adults to help load vehicles. After the distribution, they eat the lunches they brought with them.
“The boys and the Salem4Youth employees are such a big help and a ray of sunshine when they are here,” says Tara Ingham, Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank Bloomington-Normal. “Many of the boys have told us it’s their activity every month!”
Are you an individual or part of a group interested in filling a specific volunteer need? Call or email Donna Haas, our Volunteer Coordinator (309.663.5350 or [email protected]).
