I always look forward to Thanksgiving morning, but not for the usual reasons, like the smell of turkey roasting in the oven or parades on TV. I look forward to rising early, driving down J Street in the dark and seeing road closure signs and flares, indicating a special event is about to take place. I look forward to being one of the first cars parked at Newman Center near Carlson Drive and J Street. I look forward to being bundled up in the cold weather and setting up the volunteer check-in station for the annual Run to Feed the Hungry, benefiting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Excitement is in the air as the sun slowly rises, and over 350 volunteers gather in their places, ready for thousands of runners and walkers to show their support for SFBFS.

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is a local non-profit organization helping families in need through six unique programs offered at no cost to local residents. Programs range from food and clothing to free educational programs for youth to adults. Run to Feed the Hungry is in its 19th year, raising a significant amount of funding to keep SFBFS’ programs operating and free to those in need.

Volunteering is an easy and fun way to show support for SFBFS. Volunteers are needed for a variety of different tasks for Run to Feed the Hungry. All volunteers receive a long-sleeve volunteer shirt (a very pretty blue this year!).

If you’re interested in helping out, please note the following:

-Volunteers must be available for the duration of the shift and able to stand and walk for long periods of time.
-Please note the age limitations below.
-Volunteer orientation is not required for any of these opportunities. -Please follow the links below to complete the sign-up form. If you have any questions, please contact Robin at volunteer@sacramentofoodbank.org or (916) 456-1980.

Run prep at SFBFS, Nov. 8 and 9 (3333 Third Avenue) – Age 16 and up
Nov. 8, 2012 – Run to Feed the Hungry prep 1-5pm
Nov. 9, 2012 – Run to Feed the Hungry prep 9am-1pm

Volunteer at Sacramento REI store (Race registration) – Age 16 and up
Tuesday, Nov. 20: 3pm-9pm
Wednesday, Nov. 21: 1:30-7:30pm

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22 – Age 18 and up
Crowd Control - start/finish lines
Water Stations
Clean up Crew
Course Monitors

Make a new Thanksgiving Day tradition. Give yourself something new to look forward to - an opportunity to help our community and those in great need. Choose to volunteer (or run or walk!) at this year's Run to Feed the Hungry. Hope to see you bright and early.