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.
Philip Wheeler has been volunteering with us 3-4 days per week since last September. He has been a critical part of getting our new distribution center in Rutland ready for action. He has been working on some incredible building projects and his latest is the construction of a cooler. We really appreciate all of his hard work!
Philip Wheeler working at our new Rutland facility.
Philip Wheeler
Where are you from?
Dover, Delaware
Where do you live?
Rutland, Vermont
Tell us more about yourself.
I’m a retired Delaware State worker. Stone carving and road cycling are two of my interests. No children. My immediate family lives in downstate New York and southern California.
Tell us about your favorite food, meal or recipe.
I like all kinds of food, breakfast is my favorite meal.
How long have you been a volunteer with us?
Seven months.
Please describe the work that you do for the Vermont Foodbank.Â
I assist Rich Kusiak in the construction at the Rutland Food Bank facility. Rich Kusiak is one of our Facilities Coordinators.
Why did you choose to volunteer with the Vermont Foodbank?
Actually this is my first time I’ve ever been a volunteer for any organization and, being retired, I felt it was about time I gave back to the community.
What have you learned through your experience here?
I enjoyed working on the many construction activities and learned a lot about what it takes to get this warehouse ready for operation.
Was there ever anyone in your life who inspired you to give back or volunteer? And how did that have an impact on your life?
My cousins had done a lot of volunteering, but I never was inspired by their activities until now.
Describe a favorite memory of your time volunteering with us.Â
Seeing all the work that needs to be done at the Rutland facility to get it ready.
The Vermont Foodbank relies on volunteers to accomplish our mission –Â to gather and share quality food and nurture partnerships so that no one in Vermont will go hungry. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.