MFB Bloomington-Normal 2019 Volunteers of the Year

 When we say Midwest Food Bank volunteers do just about anything and everything, we mean it.

Drive 3 1/2 hours to pick up food? Sure, no problem. Scrub a warehouse floor? They get after it. Speak to a community group about the MFB mission? No stage fright here.

Recently at the Bloomington/Normal warehouse, three volunteers were recognized for their infectious attitudes. Let us introduce you to Dan Sager, Dan Simmons and Jerry Martin.

Dan Sager - Dan is one of a dedicated crew of volunteers at the Fairfield, Illinois, warehouse, which is a remote distribution site for MFB, Bloomington/Normal. 

"Dan always has MFB and the agencies best interests in mind," says Jeni Hanson, Operations Manager for MFB Bloomington-Normal. Currently Fairfield serves 80 agencies but Dan would like to reach 100 agencies served. That commitment means southern Illinois food pantries do not have to drive the 3-4 hour distance to Bloomington/Normal to receive food. He's also been known to make the drive to MFB, B/N himself when food is needed.

Dan Simmons - About two years ago Dan joined the MFB volunteer team in Bloomington/Normal. Since then he has taken it upon himself to learn and understand the daily operations of MFB. He leads other volunteers, drives a forklift, is part of replenishing products during distribution and assists with produce distribution twice a week.

"Dan steps in wherever needed if that means scrubbing a floor, leading other volunteers, unloading a truck outside regular business hours or handcrafting a table for a MFB office space," Jeni says.

Jerry Martin - Jerry not only drives a forklift but leads multiple groups of volunteers each week. He has also been trained to lead or organize Tender Mercies packing events - a meal program of Midwest Food Bank. Jerry takes what he has learned about MFB outside the warehouse and regularly speaks to community groups of MFB - the mission as well as volunteer opportunities and experiences.

"We gained Jerry through retirement from the business community, but he is nowhere close to being retired," Jeni says. "His infectious smile is a day-brightener."

To join the MFB volunteer team, click here, give us a call, or simply stop by our warehouse and see the amazing way that God is working through His people.