This past summer, hundreds of dedicated Lunchbox Express volunteers distributed more than 22,000 fresh, nutritious lunches to children in need at 16 locations throughout the Denver metro area. The program targets children who receive free or reduced lunches during the school year but are at risk of going without during the summer months. In addition to the meals, more than 12,000 books were distributed to children to encourage a love of reading and learning.

Volunteers are integral to the Lunchbox Express program and make this important work possible. Volunteers, including corporate, civic, and youth groups; individuals (including several JFS employees); and families, logged more than 1,000 hours to fight hunger in our community. Many worked multiple shifts and were repeat volunteers who return each summer.

One volunteer service organization, boys team charity, which is dedicated to developing an altruistic spirit in young men through active participation of parents and sons in philanthropic projects in their communities, dramatically increased its participation in Lunchbox Express over the past few years. Last year families from one chapter participated, while this year 45 individuals from 21 families representing three chapters volunteered. This group logged a total of 200 hours over six days!

We were thrilled to have seven corporate groups lend a hand this year: Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), DaVita, Xcel Energy, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business committee, FirstBank, and Randstad.

Aaron Garcia, an analyst in Xcel Energy’s Business Intelligence department, says, “Jewish Family Service is a great organization that provides a basic requirement for those who are the most vulnerable. Volunteering with JFS a great opportunity to help those around you and meet other caring people. The commitment may be small, but the impact that it has on you and those you serve is great.”

Ora DeMorrow, senior financial advisor and first vice president at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, organized a group of six members of South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business committee. She loved the experience and says, “The Lunchbox Express program is especially inspiring—helping children across cultures with nourishment when they are not in school. We felt this was a good fit for women in the community.”

Thanks to everyone who pitched in to fight hunger and make life a little easier for families in need this summer. If you haven’t volunteered on Lunchbox Express before, you might consider it for next year. There are lots of opportunities, from one-time engagements to weekly shifts to group shifts.

If you or your workplace or organization is interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with Lunchbox Express, contact Christine Gillow at 720.248.4599.