KFB Volunteer of the Week: Cindi Welton

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.

Our facilitators oversee our daily volunteer sessions by welcoming guests, getting them started on their project, ensuring all health department rules are followed, and keeping track of our production numbers.  They are truly like an extension of our staff and play such a critical role!

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.

Our volunteers are family – especially this week’s KFB Volunteer of the Week. 

Cindi just recently retired after spending over 15 years volunteering, being a facilitator with KFB. We highlight her as a way to celebrate her many years with us and helping to nourish children in the community. 

Thank you Cindi!

Name: Cynthia Welton
KFB Volunteer Experience: Retired Facilitator

How did you first hear about Kids’ Food Basket?
I first heard about Kids’ Food Basket from Dan Oumedian 15 years ago. He was a colleague of mine at Fifth Third Bank and his dad had given KFB their first donation.  Dan invited me to a lunch and learn at the BOB restaurant in Grand Rapids, hosted by Bridget Clark Whitney and Mary K Hoodhood.

Why did you choose to volunteer?
I wanted to be part of an anti-hunger organization and KFB’s mission matched my passion.

How long have you been volunteering?
I have volunteered for 15 years.  I am a past board member, past committee leader, and recently retired as a facilitator.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with Kids’ Food Basket?  My favorite part is knowing that the food we pack will make an impact in a child’s life the next day. Volunteers feel a sense of ownership because they know they are making sure that lunch is not the last meal of the day for the food insecure kids in our community.

Do you have a favorite Kids’ Food Basket memory? 
My favorite memory is from my first years as a facilitator.  To encourage my co-workers to volunteer on my team, I deep-fried donuts for them on our shift and dipped them in dark chocolate – 15 years later, many of those same volunteers continue to serve.

 Describe your experience with KFB in one word?
Impact

 Why do you think someone should sign up and volunteer with Kids’ Food Basket? 
Individuals should sign up and volunteer because feeding food-insecure children in our community are essential.  The highly nutritious Sack Supper gives them the opportunity to reach their full potential and succeed in life.   

 What is one thing you learned while you were volunteering?
I learned that the kids who receive the Sack Suppers develop a sense of trust because they know they can count on receiving the meal every weekday.  Test scores improve and behavior problems decrease.  

Favorite fruit or vegetable and way to eat it?
I love roasted asparagus!