April is Volunteer Appreciation Month!

April 4, 2017 – One Oregon Food Bank volunteer reaches a new landmark.

On a Wednesday morning, Bill Brandt-Gasuen arrives for his first volunteer repack shift of the day. The group of regulars and a few new volunteers get to work. Unbeknownst to them there’s a new record for volunteer service. The week before, Bill reached a milestone by logging his 5,000th hour of service – a feat never achieved by an Oregon Food Bank volunteer.

In 2002, Bill was laid off and took it as a sign to officially retire. Since then, he has volunteered at Oregon Food Bank and several other nonprofits in Portland. “You have to find a place where you fit,” he says. In April of 2016, Bill decided to challenge himself to reach the 5,000 hour mark so he started signing up for eight to 10 shifts each week.

“This guy inspires me,” says John Woods, a second-time volunteer. “I want to be able to give back like that.”

“I never married, I have no dependents, but I feel a responsibility to my community,” Bill says with sincerity. He has held more than 40 different volunteer roles.

When asked what his next challenge is he chuckles and says, “Take a little time for myself.”

Thank you Bill – and thousands of volunteers – for your commitment to people experiencing hunger!