Food bank expands, still needs volunteers to serve thousands

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Northern Illinois Food Bank is seeking volunteers as part of its “National Day of Service” commemorating 9/11.

Today, approximately 100 people volunteered at the food bank, joining 300 others at locations in Geneva, Joliet, and Lake Forest. Despite the turnout, the food bank continues to need volunteers daily to serve about a thousand people each day.

“The need is still here, and we don’t have enough volunteers, which is one of the reasons that we love to encourage folks not only on 9/11 but every day of the year that we’re open to help, come on out, and donate a couple of hours of their time,” said Shannon Thompson, director of volunteers.

The food bank recently expanded to the old K-Mart on Sandy Hollow, increasing its capacity to serve the community. Last year, 20,000 volunteers supported the food bank across its four locations, providing the equivalent of 74 full-time employees.

The “National Day of Service” encourages community involvement and volunteerism, particularly in remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001.

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