Last night we stopped by TABLE’s office in Carrboro to meet some of the many volunteers who make it possible to deliver food to hundreds of hungry children in our community. The shift leader, Mike, hurried among the stacks of nonperishables, setting up the assembly line that would be used to pack 145 bags with goods like fruit cups, dry pasta and canned sauce, packs of crackers, and juice boxes, as volunteers arrived.
We got to chat with the volunteers before they got to work. Most of them acknowledged feeling fortunate in life and wanting to give something back to the community.
Some of the volunteers were brand new to TABLE. Amanda is only in town for the summer, but wanted to help out in the community while she’s here. There’s a similar program on her campus at home. Marguerite L. had lived in town for a few years, and started voluneering recently as a way to get out and to help others. “I like how local TABLE feels,” she said.
Anna B. has been with TABLE for two years and says she appreciates that TABLE gives out healthy food that’s higher quality, including produce. Because of the work of TABLE, she said, “I’ve noticed a difference in my [high school] community. Food is so important.” Adam has been volunteering for one year. He called the work an enjoyable way to help out, and likes making a continuous contribution.
Rachel H. was inspired to start volunteering because of how important healthy food is for well-being in her own life; she wants to help others eat well, too. As a student in neuroscience and psychology, she knows how important food is for children to do well in school, in addition to the nutrition it provides. “I was fortunate to have healthy options,” she said. “I like that TABLE strives to provide healthy options.”
During the summer, TABLE can use extra volunteers. They have various regular shifts throughout the week. If you’d like to check it out, click here to go to a form to sign up.