BOZEMAN — There are a lot of resources for residents needing a little extra help in Gallatin Valley, and one of those is the Gallatin Valley Food Bank in Bozeman.
Usually, the food bank needs extra volunteers around the holidays, but organizers say volunteers are always needed no matter the time of the year, including now because production is ramping up at the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.
Volunteers woke up Monday morning ready to serve the community they live in.
“I am volunteering here on the morning shift, stocking shelves and taking in food items,” said volunteer Betty Martyn.
Betty started volunteering at the food bank in December, but has already connected with a lot of the people who use the facility.
“They are important to this community and they need a little bit of help. Some of them just until they get back on their feet, and some of them who are working two or three jobs and are still struggling to make ends meet, so we kind of fill that niche,” she said.
And filing that niche, as Ms. Betty puts it, is only one of the many ways their efforts are recognized.
“So many people that shop here at the food bank are so appreciative of us being here and giving of our time,” she explained.
Many of the volunteers are touched by their encounters with the people who they’re helping.
“I met one of the shoppers who was embarrassed that she was here and said 'I’d never thought I’d find myself in this situation'. She was humbled to be here but also said 'when I get back on my feet I’m going to come back and do what you people are doing to help out the community',” Betty said.
If you're interested in volunteering, Ms. Betty said there's a spot for you.
All volunteers are required to go through an orientation usually held on Wednesdays or Thursdays starting at 5 p.m. at the food bank. For more information, visit here.
