With demand continuing to increase at the Pella Community Food Shelf, many volunteers are aiming to help others. 

The Food Shelf is 100% volunteer run, and has around 200 volunteers that regularly serve in a variety of ways, including distribution and transporting food, organizing the shelf, and cleaning. Additionally, a large number of volunteer groups have stepped up to support the shelf, with 85 groups from various organizations or ministries serving residents in Marion County. Kris Van Wyk is one of the many volunteers at the Food Shelf and says that while it’s hard to see fellow community members in need, she is grateful to be able to help them through her volunteering.

“We have such good people that come in here. They are from all walks of life, and we do not judge people. Sometimes they’ll say, ‘I’m really low on sugar and I don’t know if I’ll get by.’ Well, the good news is we’ll give it to you this week. Or they’ll say ‘Kris, I know you and you probably think I shouldn’t be getting this’, but we all go through things in our life and it’s just by the grace of God that we opened this place and we’re able to help others.”

Find out how to become a Pella Food Shelf volunteer here, and listen for more about volunteering at the Food Shelf on today’s Hy-Vee Food Drive Fridays special edition news magazine.