Mike Vanderkooi is one of the many dedicated volunteers helping to fight hunger and improve the lives of Idahoans. Although confined to a wheelchair with multiple sclerosis, Mike is a daily volunteer. He not only helps at the Foodbank but also at the local hospital. Mike’s dedication is truly inspiring. He loves helping others and shared the following with us:

“One of the great ironies and tragedies in America is that hunger exists in a land of plenty.  My sisters, my brother, and I along with my nieces and nephews have been lucky enough or blessed enough to have never experienced hunger in our lives.  By volunteering I am able to play a very small part in trying to end the hunger that exists in America today.  I am also able to give back something to society for all of the help that I have received since I became disabled.  “Because I have been given much I too must give” really sums up why I am fortunate enough to be able to volunteer at The Idaho Foodbank.”

Mike is a living example of the spirit of volunteering. Thanks, Mike!

See Mike’s interview on KDIK/KIFI-TV.

The Boise warehouse recently held its first volunteer reception in recognition of National Volunteer Appreciation Week. The reception included volunteers who had contributed 50 hours of service or more in the past year. Eleven of these volunteers donated over 100 hours last year, with one individual contributing a remarkable 929 hours of service. This high-achieving group includes a broad range of age and experience but all share the same passion for helping others.

Guests enjoyed learning more about hunger issues in Idaho, meeting their peers and sharing their stories about volunteering. From those who have been recipients of help themselves to those thankful for their bounty and wanting to share, our volunteers are a remarkably caring and dedicated team.