Every Wednesday night, a group of three dedicated women can be found teaching the During your Pregnancy course in the Parent Education program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). One of these amazing volunteers is Jane Eiferle, a retired, licensed vocational nurse with experience in obstetrics and gynecology. Jane’s easygoing and welcoming nature makes it easy for Parent Education clients to ask questions about their pregnancy and learn in a confidential and nonjudgmental atmosphere. After attending volunteer orientation in 2010, Jane volunteered at an event to help wrap holiday presents for families in need. She wanted to become more involved and that’s when she met Lorena

Emma Makdessi did not want the typical 9 to 5 job after college. Likewise, Tara Branson felt indecision about the path she would take after graduation. But both Makdessi and Branson knew that they wanted to travel, make connections and have meaningful experiences. Their paths would converge when both Makdessi and Branson joined the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), a full time, team based AmeriCorps program for men and women ages 18 to 24. For the past four months Makdessi, Branson and the nine other individuals who make up NCCC's Green 1 team would share in the joys and challenges of working and serving local families, and ultimately become incorporated into Sacramento Food Bank

On the day of a home visit, mother-daughter duo Maggie and Ellie Keenan have brainstormed topics that Ada Cooper, 83, will find interesting to talk about. The topic for this particular visit was the Korean War. “Her husband served in the military, so she may have a lot of input on the recent events happening right now,” said Maggie, a kindergarten teacher at Barbara Comstock Morse Elementary. Maggie and Ellie Keenan are volunteers for one of the newest programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), the Senior program. This program matches volunteer families and socially isolated seniors with the assistance of Eskaton’s Talking Listening Caring Telephone Reassurance Program (

Brian Geary's day usually begins at 4 or 5 AM. But despite his early wake up call, Geary was all smiles at the Oak Park Community Center food distribution on a chilly November evening. “Brian is smiling all the time,” said Food Program Director, Eric Kintzel, “His terrific attitude is absolutely infectious and makes for a delightful atmosphere.” Looking unfazed by the cold, Geary explains that his east coast roots have prepared him for much colder. “This cold is not bad,” Geary said smiling. Born and raised in Indiana, Geary said that he has always felt attracted to helping people and drawn to volunteering. “I feel compelled to give back because I‟ve been fortunate throughout life and

Pat Palley was recently recognized for her longtime commitment to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Her history with SFBFS goes back over 14 years. In 1995, Pat applied to be the program manager for SFBFS’s Mother-Baby program, but declined the position due to foot surgery. Later, she volunteered working with clients in the Havens Transitional Living program. In 2001, she and her teenage daughter started volunteering in the Food program, which she continued to do until 2009. In 2005, after teaching Spanish at a Waldorf school in Placerville and having heard about SFBFS’ Adult Education program from a friend, she approached SFBFS and inquired about tutoring opportunities. She

It's that time again... we're nearing Thanksgiving, which means it's almost time for the 18th annual Run to Feed the Hungry! This event, taking place every Thanksgiving morning, is the largest fundraiser of the year for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). The event launches in front of Sac State and winds through East Sacramento, with a 5K course and a 10K course. Over 28,000 people participated in last year's event, making it the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the country. One of the ways this event is made possible is through the support of over 500 volunteers on the morning of the event as well as the days leading up to Thanksgiving Day. Not much of a runner of a walker,

Volunteers often bring more than just their time to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Many bring their talents, their professional training, their enthusiasm for serving others and their desire to make an impact in the community. T. Jackson is a volunteer at SFBFS who brings all of the above on a regular basis. She has been volunteering in the PlayCare and Youth Academy programs at SFBFS’ Saca Community Learning Center since April 2010. On Friday mornings, T. can be found surrounded by ten to twenty toddlers, sitting on the floor in PlayCare, playing guitar and singing. Her educational background in music therapy helps her to create a special bond with the children who are i

Julia Siegle came to California just 2 years ago and has already established herself as one of the most active volunteers in the Youth Academy program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Born and raised in Seattle, Julia later moved to the East Coast where she lived in Boston, MA and Newport, RI, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in English from U Mass and spent time as a preschool teacher. Julia is an avid snow skier and loves the outdoor adventures and proximity to the mountains that Sacramento provides. However, when the snow melted in the spring months, Julia found herself with more free time on her hands. This allowed her to pursue volunteering and was intrigued by a posti

In the Adult Education program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), volunteers sit side by side with the clients they are assisting, often developing rapport and trust with one another. Volunteers are essential in creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental learning environment. Two of the friendly volunteers one may encounter in the Adult Education program at SFBFS’ main facility in Oak Park are Leslie Marria and George Langley. This dynamic duo has been carpooling from Folsom to Oak Park for the last two years to volunteer. But don’t call them tutors. “I don’t consider myself a tutor,” says Leslie. “We’re doing a lot of mentoring.” George agrees. “We don’t teach people, we help the

Charlotte Hansen is one of those “can’t live without her” volunteers. She has been volunteering at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) in the Mother-Baby program for just over one year, and the program staff cannot imagine the program without her. “Her commitment to the Mother-Baby program is fantastic,” says Lorena Carranza, Mother-Baby program manger. “She does it all.” Indeed, Charlotte wears many hats in the Mother-Baby program. She can be found on Mondays and Thursdays in the Mother-Baby clothing area, sorting baby clothing, hanging items, talking to new mothers and babies, training volunteers, and more. You may also find her sitting down with a new parent in the mentoring

During the Christmas season of 2009 a strong desire came over Becky Starr to help a family in need. She knew she wanted to give back somehow and immediately went on-line in search of volunteer opportunities. Having worked in the food industry for 30 years, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) seemed like an obvious fit.   However, after attending SFBFS’ volunteer orientation, Becky realized she might fit better into the services offered in the Mother-Baby program. “I have a four year old granddaughter and a two year old grandson that live in Champaign, IL and I don’t get to see them much,” confesses Becky. “I liked the idea of working with women and children, so when the Volunte

After graduating from Chapman University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and Criminal Justice, Christina Ubaldo began working in the childcare department of a local gym in early 2010. She enjoyed working with children, but saw the role as temporary employment until she could return to school to further her education. She worked well with children and adults alike and was quickly promoted to Childcare Manager, even helping to open a new location. However, by February 2010, Christina decided to make a change. She quit her job to pursue her dream of attending law school. While researching schools, filling out applications and preparing personal statements, Christina sought a way t

The Volunteer Spirit Awards are a yearly opportunity for organizations throughout Sacramento to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding volunteers. On October 29, 2010, staff and volunteers from various programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) attended the 10th Annual Volunteer Spirit Awards luncheon the Grand Ballroom in downtown Sacramento. This event, put on by the Volunteer Center of Sacramento, is the largest volunteer recognition ceremony honoring Sacramento area volunteers. Nominees come from a wide range of local agencies, with areas of volunteerism ranging from education, animals, heath, family services, hospitals, seniors, counseling and more. SFBFS program

Cynthia Bows, a volunteer in the Women’s Wisdom Art program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) recently celebrated her 80th birthday in June 2010, and her energy and passion for serving others has continually grown over the years. The Women’s Wisdom Art program offers free art classes to adult women of diverse backgrounds and situations who benefit from a supportive and healing environment through art. Cynthia has been an important part of this program since March 2009 when she started volunteering in the Friday ceramics class, one of the most popular forms of art in the Women’s Wisdom Art schedule. Just walking into the ceramics class on a Friday, one can feel the enthusi

The Run to Feed the Hungry is a Thanksgiving Day tradition for many Sacramento area families. This event, the largest fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) is a 5K and 10K run/walk, utilizes approximately 400 volunteers on Thanksgiving morning. Not a runner or a walker? Volunteering is the way to go. One of the most exciting volunteering positions is Crowd Control at the starting or finish line. Volunteers placed at the starting line get to see all the runners pass through the starting line and ensure everyone gets a safe start to the run, keeping runners and walkers on course and everyone moving smoothly. Crowd control volunteers at the finish line get to experien

Looking for a new way to spend Thanksgiving Day? Here's an idea - volunteer. Volunteers are needed for the 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry, the largest fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). This event launches in front of Sac State every Thanksgiving morning and has become a Sacramento area tradition for families wanting to make a difference in their community. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is a private non-profit organization dedicated to serving those in need with emergency distribution programs and education services, all offered at no cost to Sacramento area families. For more information, visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org. Come out and help us make

Now more than ever, young people, working professionals and families are looking to make an impact in their communities. Over the past year, SFBFS has seen an increase in families volunteering as a unit, looking for opportunities to spend time together and make a difference. Bob and Anne Jensen and their son Andy are one of those outstanding families actively involved as volunteers at SFBFS. In January, the Jensen family was looking for a volunteer opportunity where they could all help simultaneously. Bob had recently retired from his job as a psychology instructor at Sacramento State University. Bob and Anne were both raised in families where volunteer work was a part of life, so as soon

Markus Mar-Liu volunteered at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) as a student with Mc Clatchy High school. Markus is an incredible young man with high ambition and drive to make the world a better place. Markus recently completed a project that took a great deal of planning and organization to complete. As a final project for Eagle Scouts, he painted a nook, built a desk with three chairs, hung a modern and very fashionable curtain with rod; which, can now be used as a divider of the two rooms. This project has built a safe haven for the young children who attend Play Care in which they can relax and read a book or prepare for Kindergarten. Markus showed great deal dedication

There are many reasons that staff, clients and volunteers at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) love a volunteer like Peter Fusselman. Peter’s varied experiences with sales, marketing and teaching make him perfectly suited for his unique role in the Adult Education. Peter began volunteering in 2009 helping clients produce and polish professional looking resumes. Since the decline in the job market, employers have become increasingly selective and demanding more from applicants they hire. A major obstacle of many SFBFS clients suddenly displaced from their jobs is navigating a hiring gauntlet that has gotten leaner, meaner and digitalized. In addition to limited access to online

If you happen to walk past the Women’s Wisdom Art program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) and hear the room fill with laughter, chances are Steff Echeverria is behind the amusement. Steff brings a contagious energy with a positive vibe to clients in the Women’s Wisdom Art program every day since her internship through Sacramento City College began in the spring of 2009. “There is nothing like experience and you cannot trade hands on experience for the world,” shares Steff. She was aiming to gain experience in a creative arts field when Women’s Wisdom Art volunteer opportunities appeared as a suggestion in class. Having been a client in the same program six years prior, sh