Food drive volunteers needed all year long
The Canyons resident Geri Durbin (left) holds up a donated canned good during the recent volunteer outing that lifestyle coordinator Abby Zimmerman (right) hosted at the Parker Task Force.
The Parker Task Force (PTF) has been making a difference in the lives of people who are struggling in the communities of Parker, Franktown and Elizabeth for nearly four decades.
“The PTF was founded 37 years ago, and it has grown incredibly as the community has grown,” said Diane Roth, a member of the PTF board of directors.
There is no paid staff; the PTF operates as an entirely volunteer organization whose mission is to provide food, limited financial assistance and other support services to more than 650 client families.
“We are fortunate to have volunteers in place for the four days a week that we are open,” said Diane, “but we always need food drive volunteers.”
The PTF hosts seven Saturday food drives every year to stock the shelves of its food bank. Diane said it takes 75 volunteers to help make each food drive a success. She added that the holiday food drive in November draws the most community support because people are in the giving spirit. But she said to remember that people go hungry all year long.
“It is a labor-intensive operation. We need people who will commit about three hours,” Diane explained about the need for volunteers at all of the food drives.
Abby Zimmerman, lifestyle coordinator at The Canyons, recently coordinated a volunteer opportunity for residents of the subdivision. Neighbors sorted donations, date-checked food, and put grocery donations in boxes to store in the warehouse. “They really enjoyed it,” said Abby.
“The warehouse was buzzing that day. It was the Saturday before Thanksgiving and the food drive was going on – a great opportunity to give back,” said The Canyons resident Cindy Tappan, who volunteered at PTF for the first time and plans to do so again.
Abby said she plans to arrange more volunteer outings for residents to be involved in helping the community. “Opportunities like this are going to continue to grow,” Abby added.
Students needing community service hours are also welcome at PTF. Volunteers are the backbone of this agency that helps people in their time of need.
“It’s a commitment, and people take their commitment seriously because they want to make a difference,” concluded Diane.
Parker Task Force is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It is located at 19105 Longs Way in Parker. If you or your organization would like to volunteer, call 303-841-3460 during business hours or email foodbank@parkertaskforce.org.
The Canyons resident Kelly Tappan and another volunteer pack boxes of grocery donations for the warehouse in Parker at the November food drive. For almost four decades, the Parker Task Force has been making a difference in the lives of people who are struggling in the communities of Parker, Franktown and Elizabeth.
By Mindy Stone; photos courtesy of Abby Zimmerman
