Marlene Ellis is from Arlington, VA and volunteers to relieve hunger.  She has volunteered with AARP for 6 years and has found it to be a very rewarding experience.

“I like getting in the mix and getting things done, which is a big part of why I’ve always enjoyed volunteering. But this last volunteer opportunity I had stood out from all the others. That is because this time I did it all on my own.

I discovered this particular opportunity to volunteer in an announcement in AARP magazine that mentioned that just about anyone could start a local food drive. We never know where life will take us, or if one day we’ll be the hungry ones, and that idea made me want to do something. Inspired by what I read, I contacted my local food bank and learned that I had just one week to complete the drive!

I immediately made flyers and posted them in the lunchroom in my workplace. Then, I took them door-to-door to my neighbors.

What happened next was truly amazing. When I came to work the following morning, I saw that people had already started to donate bags of non-perishable food. When I came home from work, my neighbors also brought over large bags of food. This continued throughout the week, with each day bringing more surprise donations. My neighbors’ and colleagues’ generosity was truly overwhelming.

By the end of the week, I had 27 bags to deliver, which amounted to 127 pounds of food! I packed them all into my car and delivered them to the food bank. The very next day I discovered four more bags of food in my office from colleagues who had forgotten the deadline! I delivered those as well.

This experience taught me so much. I hope others are inspired by my story to take on similar projects. This food drive was a great way to do some good for my community and involve others in the process. It is definitely something I encourage others to try!"

Her advice to others who are thinking about volunteering: "Do something that is worthy and worthwhile to you – that is what is most important. That’s the reason why I chose the food bank as my volunteer opportunity; we never know when we may be in a position of need.

Everybody needs something to devote their whole selves to. Find your passion and turn it into an opportunity to help others."