Volunteers at Kids’ Food Basket fuel our mission each day through planting, harvesting, prepping, packing, and delivering nourishing food. They drive our success and help all children thrive.
Many of our Sack Supper packers have been a part of the mission since the very beginning. Whether they have been with KFB for 18 years, or it is their first time as a packer, their impact goes far beyond the shift. They pack thousands of meals with kindness and love to ensure thousands of children across West Michigan receive a healthy nourishing meal each evening.
We are so grateful to every single volunteer that engages with us as we would not be able to nourish children to reach their full potential if it wasn’t for their generosity and compassion for their community and neighbors.
Name: Carolyn DeBoer
Occupation: Retired Speech Therapist
KFB Volunteer Experience: Muskegon Packing
How did you first hear about Kids’ Food Basket?
My daughter Carly found out through a friend, Pat Donahue, and we started volunteering together.
Why did you choose to volunteer?
I worked as a speech therapist with under-resourced schools, so I have and seen and understand the needs that the children that Kids’ Food Basket serves have.
Last year, I was a teacher’s helper in a second-grade class at Cardinal Elementary in Muskegon. One day, the student had just finished their reading, writing, and math rotations. They were lining up for recess when I told them that I would see them next Monday. A few of the boys asked me why I couldn’t come back on Friday. I told them that I volunteered at Kids’ Food Basket. Immediately they smiled and said, “You make our lunches!” Wow! That was all I needed to affirm my commitment to volunteering to make these nutritious meals and realizing that it is a worthwhile cause is time well spent.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with Kids’ Food Basket?
Seeing the smile on the kid’s faces, they light up when they get the food in the Sack Suppers.
Have you learned anything new during your time volunteering?
How impressive Muskegon is with the community coming together to feed our own kids.
Describe your experience with Kids Food Basket in one word?
Awesome!
Why do you think someone should sign up and volunteer with Kids’ Food Basket?
It is great to accomplish something good for our community and to show the kids we care about them.
Favorite fruit or vegetable and way to eat it?
Apples and asparagus
Unfortunately, due to the rise of COVID-19 cases, Kids’ Food Basket is currently not having volunteer shifts in Muskegon. If you would like to get involved to help nourish the children of Muskegon County there are many ways to engage with us! Consider doing a Wish List drive or raising funds. Join us! https://kidsfoodbasket.wpengine.com/get-involved/stayhome-stayinvolved/
