2017 Volunteers of the Year

Midwest Food Bank Bloomington-Normal is pleased to announce our 2017 Volunteers of the Year. Out of the thousands of volunteers who gave of their time and talent last year, these three are being recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty. They are Gretchen Dean, Charles Sang and Jeff Snyder. Get to know them better:

Gretchen, already volunteering at our previous location, became an invaluable help during the remodeling of our current location. Nearly every day, Gretchen coordinated lunch for the volunteers doing the remodeling work. Often she blessed the workers with her considerable baking skills. Few people can resist the treats she continues to bring in. We moved into the new location in April of 2017, and Gretchen has continued to serve. She is here nearly every Tuesday and Thursday helping with the fresh produce distribution. The same is true during our monthly distribution week. When her husband retired, Gretchen brought him along.

Willing to help in many ways, Charles volunteers in various roles. He is equally comfortable driving the fork truck moving produce in the warehouse and helping with data entry in the office. Charles is often filling in at a moment's notice when emergencies come up. He is a lead volunteer, guiding groups through pojects. When a new volunteer shows up to help during distribution week, Charles is the go-to mentor to welcome and direct the newcomer.

Jeff serves as an all-around handyman. Here nearly every day during the remodel, he could do almost anything that needed to be done, including coordinating the work of other volunteers. Post-remodel, Jeff continues to serve in the handyman capacity, resolving any number of maintenance issues. He has added forklift training to his skills so he can help in the warehouse.

Gretchen, Charles and Jeff exemplify the servant heart found in all volunteers. MFB Bloomington-Normal is blessed by the service of these three, and happy to recognize them as the Volunteers of the Year for 2017.