A Long-Time Donor in Many Ways
At Yolo Food Bank, volunteers show up with a lot of heart and a desire to make an impact. Few embody that spirit more than Bob Rennie, a long-time donor and dedicated
volunteer who calls Winters, California home. Whether he’s distributing food at Winters High School or sorting rice at the Woodland warehouse, Bob’s commitment has made a lasting impact, not only on the organization, but on the community he serves and the people he volunteers besides every week.
“I was retired and looking for something meaningful to do,” Bob shares. “When I saw Yolo Food Bank’s website, and the need during the pandemic, I signed up right away.”
Since then, he has become a familiar face at food distributions and warehouse shifts, often volunteering multiple times a week. In the warehouse, he’s known for his energy, packing hundreds of cases in just a couple hours, and for encouraging others to find the role that fits them best. “The shifts aren’t that hard,” he says. “Everyone finds their favorite thing to do and just pitches in.”
Supporting Yolo Food Bank “Outside the Box”
During the summer, Bob noticed volunteers lacked enough cold water during hotter outdoor distributions and so he took action, purchasing and donating four coolers. “They didn’t have enough coolers to keep all the water cold for the volunteers, so I just went out and bought some. It was an easy fix,” he says. “It wasn’t a big expense, but small things add up, and they matter here.”
At a time when funding is stretched thin, Bob’s generous donations matter more than ever and, in addition to his monetary support, helping his fellow volunteers makes a great impact as well. Every donation, no matter the size, helps Yolo Food Bank save valuable resources and that means more food, more access, and more support for neighbors in need.
Outside the warehouse, Bob enjoys fishing and relaxing, but volunteering gives him something more meaningful. It connects him to his neighbors, especially in Winters, where he sees the impact of food distribution firsthand. “Helping out in Winters, where I live, makes me feel part of something bigger,” he reflects. Volunteers and donors like Bob fuel the mission every day, and remind us that the most powerful gifts often come from seeing a need and stepping in to help.
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