Spotted this guy lately? I am pretty sure that Bob is one of the fantastic few who has been able to volunteer every day of the week over the past year. He has been part of the Second Helpings volunteer family for over 12 years and has devoted nearly 700 hours of his time to doing anything and everything to help transform lives through the power of food.
Bob was first introduced to Second Helpings through Eli Lilly and Company where his department would volunteer with us on an annual basis. It didn’t take long before he decided to pick up one of those coveted Thursday evening volunteer shifts in the Hunger Relief Kitchen. For four years he has volunteered in the kitchen almost every Thursday evening and when he retired earlier this year, he decided to become part of the Meal Delivery volunteer team, too. In addition to delivering meals, Bob also helps sort food in the Hub, rescues food from our many food donors, leads volunteers groups in van washing and hub activities, and volunteers at Tonic Ball, Corks & Forks, and many of our third-party special events. What doesn’t he do, you might ask? Well, he’s like the Energizer Bunny… he never stops!
When asked what he enjoys most about volunteering at Second Helpings he says, “I tell everyone (literally) that the Second Helpings crowd is, by far, the happiest bunch of folks around. Everyone wants to be there and they obviously enjoy themselves. And the lunches rock.” When Bob says “everyone” he really does mean everyone. This we know because he actually held a Community Awareness night here at Second Helpings to celebrate his retirement from Lilly. He invited all of his friends and co-workers to come and visit SH to see what all the fuss is about!
What does he do when he isn’t at Second Helpings? Well, he also gives the gift of his time to Outreach, Inc. – another local agency which ministers to homeless teens in our community. Some of you may already know of Outreach, Inc. because they are also one of our partner agencies. If he has a moment or two to spare outside of his post-retirement volunteer career, he loves to ride his bikes (he has 4 of them!!), day hike, and read. He has kept a list of every book he’s ever read (title, author date completed) for the past 29+ years!
He says, “I’m proud that I can be a part of an organization that ministers to so many needful agencies. I am also happy to deliver some smiles along the way.” Well, Bob, Second Helpings is ecstatic to have you as a member of our volunteer family! Your sincere dedication to our mission and tireless efforts to do whatever it takes to eliminate hunger and food waste in our beautiful community are irreplaceable. We love you dearly and cannot begin to express our gratitude for everything you do to transform lives through the power of food.
Are you interested in joining the fight against hunger in Central Indiana alongside Bob?