Community Impact Begins with Two Students Who Stayed to Serve
Elizabeth Warren and Katie Bollhorst arrived at Midwest Food Bank to complete a 15-hour volunteer requirement for their Occupational Therapy program at Elizabethtown College. They chose the organization for practical reasons. Flexible hours made it manageable alongside coursework, and the work seemed straightforward.
Inside the warehouse, service was immediate and tangible. Volunteers sorted and packed food that would soon reach families in need. The work was simple, but the impact was clear. Each task connected effort to outcome in a way that felt meaningful. What began as an obligation quickly became something they looked forward to.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an organization with such an impactful mission.”
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Staying Because It Matters
After completing their required hours, Elizabeth and Katie kept coming back. Not out of obligation, but because they recognized the value of what they were doing. The environment invited consistency. The mission made sense. The work felt worth their time.
Their experience reflects something essential about community service. When people see how their effort contributes to real needs, engagement becomes natural. For students preparing for careers centered on care and support, this kind of experience reinforces both skill and perspective.
Midwest Food Bank provided a space where service aligned with their field of study while also strengthening qualities that cannot be taught in a classroom alone. Patience, awareness, and compassion developed through action.
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A Growing Community Impact
Their involvement did not stay limited to their own experience. Elizabeth and Katie began sharing what they found with classmates. As a result, more students have committed to volunteering, with several planning to serve in April.
This kind of growth is not driven by promotion alone. It is built on genuine experience. When people speak honestly about meaningful work, others respond.
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We are grateful for Elizabeth and Katie for their time, consistency, and willingness to serve beyond what was required. Their ongoing commitment reflects compassion in action and brings light to this work in a meaningful way. Because of their service, this mission continues to grow stronger, reaching more people and inspiring others to step in and serve.
