Volunteer Recognition Event

This morning was our annual Volunteer Recognition event. More than 80 of our volunteers and individuals representing corporate and community groups joined us for a 7:30 AM continental breakfast and awards program. Our volunteers play such a critical role in our being able to serve the community. I calculated, if we had to hire staff to perform the roles volunteers do for us throughout the facility, we would ship 10 million pounds less food. This is based on having to take almost $1.7 million dollars in financial donations, now spent on out bound food distribution programs, to pay full time staff. They make an incredible contribution to the community.

Lucia Causey, who spent 19 years in leadership positions with the Volunteer Center of Maricopa County, was our guest speaker. She shared the following poem which tells the story best:

Once upon eternity,
above the clouds so high,
There were some chosen Angels,
Who had no wings to fly.

Their hands were made for helping,
Their hearts were tender too,
Their smiles were warm and happy,
And glowed as halos do!

So God sent down these Angels,
Because they were such dears,
To spread their gentle love on earth--
WE CALL THEM VOLUNTEERS!