Volunteers Share Food and Smiles at Thanksgiving

Generous donors and unparalleled volunteers like David Cheeks are at the core of the incredible work of the Greater Chicago Food Depository—especially at Thanksgiving!

David started volunteering more than 25 years ago and still remembers the instant connection he felt to our mission to end hunger across Chicago and Cook County.

“There’s something about the Food Depository,” David says. “They explain the mission to end hunger . . . they make you feel part of it.”

Immediate Impact

Cheeks began volunteering with the Food Depository as part of a team that promoted corporate social responsibility at the Federal Reserve Bank, where he worked in computer operations. He liked knowing the impact of their efforts was immediate.

“The staff always emphasize that what you pack today goes out to the community tomorrow,” David says. “Then you see the (Food Depository) trucks driving around in the community and know that could be something you packed going out to feed your neighbors.”

Incredible Family

In addition to repack events, Cheeks has also helped with food rescue, produce trucks, the Food Depository’s annual fundraising gala and more, serving more than 2,000 volunteer hours in the past 25 years.

“I’m trying to think of what I haven’t done over the years,” he said with a laugh. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to help the Food Depository.”

And while the Food Depository community has become like family to David, his biggest source of fulfillment is seeing the guests’ gratitude upon receiving food. “I’m getting to make someone’s day,” he says. “It’s a great high when they say ‘thank you.’”

Important Thanksgiving Needs

This Thanksgiving, families, older adults and many others who are experiencing hunger will receive the great gift of food.

Impact like this is made possible through your generosity and delivered with kindness by a volunteer like David . . . THANK YOU for partnering with the Food Depository now and throughout the holiday season!

Any gift you’re able to give will make an immediate and lasting impact now and throughout the holiday season!