National Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 12-18. We’d like to take this opportunity – on the blog, with social media, in person and at our facilities – to thank the volunteers that help us serve our neighbors in need.

The Vermont Foodbank relies on the support of thousands of volunteers each year. In fact, the number of hours our volunteers dedicated last year amounted to more than seven full-time positions.

One of our long-time volunteers, Paula Dolan, was honored by Local 44/ABC 22 as a Hometown Hero.

Paula, a retired teacher, has been exceptionally dedicated, donating many hours every week to filling in where help is most needed: folding and stuffing thousands of letters, sorting and packing hundreds of pounds of food, volunteering at fundraising events, tabling for the Vermont Foodbank at community events, and even taking projects home to help us meet tight deadlines.

In addition to offering her own time, Paula has rallied dozens of volunteer groups since 2010, often at the last minute, to help us accomplish a goal, such as packing 3,500 boxes for seniors before the end of the month.

Paula has been a gift to the Vermont Foodbank; we can count on her to help us serve 153,000 Vermonters and to continue working towards a Vermont where no one will go hungry.

Watch the video here:

To get involved or volunteer with the Vermont Foodbank, visit our website.

There are opportunities statewide, most days of the week, for all skill and ability levels.