February is “Heart for the Hungry” month at the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and Dolese Bros. Co. announced the continuation of its partnership with the food bank.
Dolese will match all donations made to the food bank through the nonprofit’s Volunteer Center, up to $20,000. Once met, this match will provide the equivalent of 160,000 meals for chronically hungry children, hardworking families, veterans and seniors with inconsistent access to food.
“Dolese and its employees believe in the importance of playing an active role in the communities where we work, live and play,” Dolese Communications and Community Relations Director Kermit Frank said. “Last year, we were excited to support this landmark opportunity to help address Oklahoma’s fight against hunger in our communities. Dolese saw a natural fit with the mission of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and we look forward to continuing this opportunity to multiply our efforts. We challenge others to join us in the fight to end hunger in Oklahoma.”
Oklahoma is one of the hungriest states in the nation. In fact, one in six Oklahomans struggles with hunger. Thanks to volunteers and donors, the food bank furnishes enough food to provide the equivalent of 450,000 meals every week to Oklahomans who are hungry.
The food bank relies on the business community in order to achieve its goal of making sure food support is available 365 days a year for unforeseen situations, like the recent federal shutdown. In the last fiscal year businesses donated on average $79,000 a month, which can provide the equivalent of 316,000 meals.
“When unusual circumstances manifest for ordinary people, like the recent federal government shutdown, it truly emphasizes the importance of corporate partnerships,” Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma Executive Director Eileen Bradshaw said. “Each and every dollar donated through the Dolese Delivers Match, enables the food bank to provide eight meals in creative and flexible ways for people who suddenly find themselves in need of food assistance. I want to thank Dolese and our generous volunteers for supplying a strong foundation in the fight against hunger.”
Volunteers at the food bank can make donations in the Volunteer Center with either credit cards or cash to the Dolese Delivers Match. The food bank is located at 1304 N. Kenosha Ave., just north of downtown Tulsa.
Last fiscal year, about 10,000 volunteers donated over 68,000 hours of their time at the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. Volunteers are needed year-round to help fight hunger. Tasks include bagging and boxing food products, packing Food for Kids bags, working in the Culinary Center, and more. The food bank welcomes both individual and group volunteers. Shifts are available Mondaythrough Saturday.
To view available opportunities and register to volunteer, visit okfoodbank.org/volunteer.