The crew at Detroit Lakes' Roasted Pub and Eatery decided to celebrate National Volunteer Week by baking up some of their famous fire roasted pizzas to donate to dedicated Becker County Food Pantry volunteers on Thursday, April 22.
Roasted manager James Boogaard was enthusiastic for the opportunity to give back, and restaurant owners Christy Thorns and Gayle Jaeger did not hesitate to step in with their support of the Food Pantry.
Chef Anthony Grady and Karlynn O'Neil put together some of their most popular pies for a lunch that served 15 very grateful volunteers.
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The Becker County Food Pantry is run by volunteers, and it takes an average of 150 volunteer hours a week to take care of all aspects of the Pantry’s operations. Food is distributed from noon to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but volunteers work every day, driving the Pantry’s truck to local stores and restaurants to pick up excess food, sorting donations, completing paperwork and reports, and keeping the Pantry clean and organized.
Executive Director Brad Carlson has 12 years of experience volunteering at the Pantry, the past four years as its leader. A core set of volunteers lead operations, and many of them work every week year-round. They include Carol Shipley, Tom Holweger, and MJ Meyer (one year of service); Elaine and Tom Mack (four years); Damien Zurn (six years); Tom Flynn (eight years); Dennis Redig (nine years); Joanne Stenseth (13 years); and Charlie Berenz (16 years). Betty Wolff is the Pantry’s longest-serving volunteer, with 30 years of dedicated service. These core volunteers are joined by volunteers from local churches, service organizations, and businesses that assist with large deliveries and/or serve as additional volunteers during distribution days during their designated month.
New volunteers are always welcome, and should call the pantry at 218-846-0142 or email bcfoodpantry@gmail.com for details.
