News » Volunteer
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Volunteer Spotlight- Dave Weck
Food For Thought would not be what it is today without the generosity of our dedicated volunteers. For some volunteers, like Dave and Rose Weck, they have watched FFT grow over years and we are thankful they continue to show up for the kids. This week we will begin our Volunteer Spotlight series to highlight the impact volunteers have made on FFT.Dave Weck
How long have you been volunteering with FFT?
I started helping in the fall of 2012 shortly after moving to the area.
What drew you to FFT?
Well my wife, Rose Weck, started in 2012 and frankly it opened up my eyes to the need which existed in this community. I started by helping pick up about 100 backpacks of food and I started asking more about FFT and what they were doing. I loved the grass roots efforts and the passion Tiffanie had for the reducing the times local school children were focused on hunger when they should have been focused on learning.
What is your favorite part about being involved with FFT?
I heard someone say in a TD talk “Food is that place where our collective efforts can have the greatest impact.” I also read “volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” No one should go hungry in our land of plenty, but unfortunately, they do. How can we expect kids to be hungry and learn? FFT is focused on spreading generosity and reminds us to focus on everybody not just ourselves.
Do you have a special memory or something that has impacted you during services that you would like to share?
I have been lucky to volunteer during some of the Thanksgiving and Christmas events and the gratitude expressed by all those who receive the food has been overwhelming. Most of us take for granted a few bags of groceries but the expression of joy and thanks by everyone receiving them is something which sticks in your memory. Sometimes it is a look in their eyes, sometimes a thank you is spoken, and sometimes when you are lucky you get a hug!
Dave, we value your dedication to FFT! We are especially thankful for your hours volunteering which was a double impact as it provided FFT with a $1,000 grant from the IBM Corporation. Thank you!!
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Hurricane Relief at FFT
This week has been filled with kindness and generosity as countless people pulled together to feed first responders and victims in the areas impacted by Hurricane Michael. We know the need for help won't end any time soon and we will continue our efforts next week starting Wednesday, October 24th through Friday, October 26th. We will be taking the weekend to collect our thoughts as we work on a sustainable, long-term strategy. If you are interested in volunteering we are offering shifts on https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2521800/false#/invitation or if you would like to donate to the cause click the image below.
If you have any questions please email volunteer@fftfl.org
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FFT Hurricane Relief Volunteer Shifts!
We are so incredibly proud of our community and its unfailing willingness to help others. In the aftermath of the hurricane, friends and neighbors have rallied with everything they have to reach out to our neighbors to the east. We have had many calls and offers of help, and NOW IS THE TIME! We need you now more than ever.
Our Full Circle Kitchen will be available all week for those of you working to prepare meals for hurricane relief and first response teams. We need help with cooking, prep work, dishwashing, assembly, etc. If you can help, please SignUp by visiting the link below or clicking the image. #YouCanHelp
https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2521800/false#/invitation
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Van Volunteering! #YouCanHelp
Each week we pack over 3,000 backpacks to deliver to 32 schools across Okaloosa and Walton counties. Packing the backpacks is a huge task but getting the backpacks to the school is the ultimate goal. Since Norma and Betty joined the FFT team we are able to load up hundreds of bags to transport to schools. The vans are a great asset but we always need reliable volunteers to drive the vans. With 32 schools to reach we need your help to get there. Loading up the vans to deliver is a rewarding job as you are making it possible for the kids to receive their food! If you're interesting in becoming a van driver contact us at volunteer@fftfl.org
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Backpack Program- How it Works!
Our backpack program has been an integral part of Food For Thought since the beginning. It takes time, effort and countless volunteers to cover each step of the backpack program to ensure that 3,000 kids in Okaloosa and Walton counties receive their backpack.
Food insecure children leave school for the weekend knowing that their next meal isn't guaranteed until the next school day. That means nearly 7 meals are missed before they return to school on Monday expected to show up ready to engage with their peers and learn from their teachers. The backpack program alleviates the stress on a hungry children providing a sense of security knowing food is going home with them for the weekend. We are dedicated to empowering children to get the most out of their education and help them develop along with their peers.
Every day of the week has set tasks that are necessary to complete to get the backpacks from FFT to the students!
Monday & Tuesday- Volunteers help the FFT staff count and sort backpacks in the Destin and Santa Rosa Beach pantries. Inventory is taken of food to set up the packing assembly line.
Wednesday- Volunteer groups pack over 1,600 backpacks in the Destin pantry to be distributed to the Okaloosa county schools on Thursday.
Thursday- Volunteers load up the FFT vans, Norma and Betty, or their vehicle to distribute backpacks to Okaloosa schools. The Santa Rosa Beach pantry is busy with volunteer groups packing over 1,200 bags to be distributed to Walton county schools on Friday.
Friday- Volunteers load up Norma and Betty or their vehicle to distribute backpacks to Walton county schools. By Friday afternoon 3,000 backpacks have been delivered to 32 schools to ensure kids don't go hungry through the weekend.
Our mission to fight child hunger is supported by dedicated volunteers and donors. If you're interested in getting involved with the backpack program check out our website for more information or contact us at volunteer@fftfl.org
