“The Goodwill Silicon Valley volunteers make a significant impact each month by making the experience pleasant, positive and efficient,” said Don Aguilar, VP of Human Resources at Goodwill Silicon Valley. “This allows the members to enjoy the process and there are smiles all around. Many see it as a shining moment in their day.”

On the third Tuesday of every month, Goodwill Silicon Valley (GWSV) Food Distribution, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, provides food to over 150 families facing food insecurity in our community. Boxes of food are distributed to members by curbside pickup from 9 a.m. to noon, with many cars lining up as early as 8:30 a.m.

Volunteers are crucial to this operation and ensure the GWSV Food Distribution runs smoothly and efficiently. Beginning with a short orientation, the volunteer’s day begins with duties including attendance tracking, registering first time members, and packing cars with boxes of food.

These duties are important so that food is distributed efficiently, and that every member who attends the distribution and is in need of food can receive resources.

Food for GWSV food distribution is packaged and provided by Second Harvest Food Bank.

As hard as they work, the GWSV volunteers still manage to socialize and have fun. Most can be found chatting with other volunteers at their station and members during distribution hours, all with social distancing practices in place.

“I think having the common goal of distributing food to those that need it provides an environment that allows volunteers to bond very quickly,” added Aguilar. “Volunteers often comment about how fun and interesting it was to participate, and what a feel-good experience it was to help others. Sometimes the most basic of efforts, such as feeding the community, can have the longest lasting return on the volunteer’s investment of time.”

The Goodwill Silicon Valley Food Distribution has proven to be a rewarding experience for volunteers as well as community members in need of food resources.

Volunteers are essential for the successful operation of the curbside-pickup food distribution.

GWSV has recently seen a 25% increase in members served through their food distribution program, and they plan to continue distributing food so long as members of the community are in need.

Nonprofits need YOUR help to get the food out to our communities. Sign up to volunteer and share this with a friend!

Volunteers helping distribute food necessities are allowed under the current stay-at-home order. Each nonprofit organization will be able to provide information about their COVID-19 compliance policies and procedures. #SiliconValleyStrong

Sign up for a volunteer opportunity (below) or submit an application to volunteer at SV Strong: https://siliconvalleystrong.org/volunteer/