As a regular volunteer at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) every week since 2003, it was evident that Margot Abrott had a passion for helping those less fortunate. However, she did it in a quiet way, never boasting about her kind acts. Service was just a part of who she was. Margot passed away in March 2012 and is greatly missed by her fellow volunteers as well as SFBFS staff and clients. Margot could be found every Tuesday at the front desk of the Clothing program, greeting every single shopper that walked through the door and logging their information in the computer system. She came to know regular shoppers and worried about them when they weren’t seen for a few months. T

For ten years, Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association (CCTLA), a membership based organization for Sacramento area trial attorneys, has sponsored an annual Spring Fling benefitting Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Every year, the Spring Fling has included a reception and silent auction with items donated by their members and friends of the organization. For the first time ever, CCTLA recruited sixteen sponsors this year to contribute $1,000 each to SFBFS. “Our members are very benevolent people. We want our organization to be known for community involvement,” said Margaret Doyle, CCTLA past President. CCTLA was founded in the early 1950s to create a meaningful source of i

Every Wednesday night, a group of three dedicated women can be found teaching the During your Pregnancy course in the Parent Education program at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). One of these amazing volunteers is Jane Eiferle, a retired, licensed vocational nurse with experience in obstetrics and gynecology. Jane’s easygoing and welcoming nature makes it easy for Parent Education clients to ask questions about their pregnancy and learn in a confidential and nonjudgmental atmosphere. After attending volunteer orientation in 2010, Jane volunteered at an event to help wrap holiday presents for families in need. She wanted to become more involved and that’s when she met Lorena

Volunteers at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) provide a wide variety of services, from sorting clothing and bagging food, to mentoring students and tutoring adults. SFBFS volunteers are vital not only to daily operations, but also become part of SFBFS’ family. SFBFS administrative volunteers work alongside program managers and staff assisting in filing, data entry, answering phones and, at times, being the first friendly face or voice that a client encounters. Kevin Price, a Parent Education volunteer at SFBFS’ Saca Community Learning Center, has dedicated over 364 hours within the past year to administrative duties and data entry. Additionally, Kevin is single- handedly c

For the first time in Volunteer Spotlight history we will be featuring two wonderful volunteers who have shown commitment and passion towards their roles as homework mentors and role models to the children enrolled in the After School Academy section of SFBFS’ Youth Education program. But each of these volunteers has contributed in more ways than just time. Both of the volunteers featured this month have gone above and beyond their roles by helping to develop and expand the Youth Education program’s capacity, proving just how vital the dedication of volunteers are to SFBFS. Kris Morris (Oak Park) For two years, Kris Morris has become a popular fixture at the Oak Park’s After School Academ

Emma Makdessi did not want the typical 9 to 5 job after college. Likewise, Tara Branson felt indecision about the path she would take after graduation. But both Makdessi and Branson knew that they wanted to travel, make connections and have meaningful experiences. Their paths would converge when both Makdessi and Branson joined the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), a full time, team based AmeriCorps program for men and women ages 18 to 24. For the past four months Makdessi, Branson and the nine other individuals who make up NCCC's Green 1 team would share in the joys and challenges of working and serving local families, and ultimately become incorporated into Sacramento Food Bank

On the day of a home visit, mother-daughter duo Maggie and Ellie Keenan have brainstormed topics that Ada Cooper, 83, will find interesting to talk about. The topic for this particular visit was the Korean War. “Her husband served in the military, so she may have a lot of input on the recent events happening right now,” said Maggie, a kindergarten teacher at Barbara Comstock Morse Elementary. Maggie and Ellie Keenan are volunteers for one of the newest programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), the Senior program. This program matches volunteer families and socially isolated seniors with the assistance of Eskaton’s Talking Listening Caring Telephone Reassurance Program (

Brian Geary's day usually begins at 4 or 5 AM. But despite his early wake up call, Geary was all smiles at the Oak Park Community Center food distribution on a chilly November evening. “Brian is smiling all the time,” said Food Program Director, Eric Kintzel, “His terrific attitude is absolutely infectious and makes for a delightful atmosphere.” Looking unfazed by the cold, Geary explains that his east coast roots have prepared him for much colder. “This cold is not bad,” Geary said smiling. Born and raised in Indiana, Geary said that he has always felt attracted to helping people and drawn to volunteering. “I feel compelled to give back because I‟ve been fortunate throughout life and

Pat Palley was recently recognized for her longtime commitment to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Her history with SFBFS goes back over 14 years. In 1995, Pat applied to be the program manager for SFBFS’s Mother-Baby program, but declined the position due to foot surgery. Later, she volunteered working with clients in the Havens Transitional Living program. In 2001, she and her teenage daughter started volunteering in the Food program, which she continued to do until 2009. In 2005, after teaching Spanish at a Waldorf school in Placerville and having heard about SFBFS’ Adult Education program from a friend, she approached SFBFS and inquired about tutoring opportunities. She

Volunteers often bring more than just their time to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Many bring their talents, their professional training, their enthusiasm for serving others and their desire to make an impact in the community. T. Jackson is a volunteer at SFBFS who brings all of the above on a regular basis. She has been volunteering in the PlayCare and Youth Academy programs at SFBFS’ Saca Community Learning Center since April 2010. On Friday mornings, T. can be found surrounded by ten to twenty toddlers, sitting on the floor in PlayCare, playing guitar and singing. Her educational background in music therapy helps her to create a special bond with the children who are i