At Facing Hunger Foodbank in Huntington, volunteers are at the heart of the agency’s fight against hunger across a 17-county service area in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

 Each weekday, teams of volunteers participate in morning and afternoon food-boxing activities to help ensure that families, individuals, and children do not go hungry. “We simply could not do what we do without the support of our volunteers,” said Community Relations Officer Bettina Hazlett.“ 

On the third Saturday of each month, community volunteers are needed in the warehouse operations to pack additional food boxes that are delivered to senior citizens experiencing food insecurity. “We have volunteers who come for the first time and can’t wait to come back. Others have been coming regularly for several years,” Bettina said.

For the Volunteer Saturday event held in late February, Facing Hunger welcomed more than 100 volunteers, many directly connected to Marshall University. A typical Saturday event would bring between 30 and 35 volunteers. However, there was an unprecedented interest from Marshall students who were eager to roll up their sleeves and get to work on making a significant impact through their efforts.

Among the robust group of volunteers were student-athletes from the women’s volleyball team. “Facing Hunger Foodbank is a team favorite community service opportunity for Marshall Volleyball. It is so important to us to give our time to help give back to this great community,” said Marshall Volleyball player Maya Hunt.

Students from Marshall University’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program also came that day and were very enthusiastic. All were determined that no box would be left unassembled or empty of food items. Accompanied by Holly J. Knuckles, DMS, PA-C, and Assistant Professor/Principal Faculty for the Marshall University Physician Assistant Program, she shared that the students are very aware of their responsibility of service to others. “It is crucial for us as future medical professionals who want to

provide compassionate community-centered care, to understand as well as actively contribute to lessening food insecurity in our community,” said PA student Jayme Green.

In less than two hours, the entire group of 106 volunteers assembled 2,000 boxes, with 500 of them filled with food products that represented 14,967 meals—stacked and ready for delivery to our seniors

in need. “What stood out to me most was the power of teamwork. We all came together and accomplished so much in such a short amount of time,” said PA student Lexi Hall.

If you or your group have interest in supporting the work at Facing Hunger Foodbank, we welcome the opportunity to connect with you about our programs and ways to get involved. Whether you are

available to volunteer on a weekday morning or afternoon, want to support a mobile food pantry event, or prefer to help at our monthly Volunteer Saturday event, we have a place for you to share your time,

talents, and treasure. Visit www.facinghunger.org or call 304.523.