Volunteers not in short supply for RGV Food Bank event

McALLEN — Volunteers inspected, processed and packed more than 8,700 pounds of food for the Martin Luther King Day of Service at the RGV Food Bank.

More than 150 volunteers went through the doors of the organization Saturday morning food bank to take part in a “Short Sort.”

“This day of service was done to commemorate Martin Luther King Day,” said Brenda Perez, the manager for volunteer and donor services at the Food Bank. “We’re very happy with the large turnout of volunteers.”

The food that the volunteers went though was the result of the holiday food drive, Perez said, adding that the Food Bank is constantly looking for donations and relies on volunteers to process the food.

The Food Bank will soon move its operation to Pharr because the McAllen location has outgrown the size of its warehouse, Perez said.

The “Short Sort” was good for volunteers, as well. Because of the move, they will have few opportunities this month to work together.

The food, which was boxed and placed in pallets, will be taken to several distribution centers, where it is given to the public.

According to statistics compiled by the Food Bank, the work done during one hour by one volunteer can help feed one meal to 105 individuals.

The idea of helping others appealed to Kevin Cruz,22, who went to the center with a group of friends.

“We felt like it was the right thing to do,” Cruz said. “We wanted to help out.”

Cruz’s friend Luis Moreno went along with the group because the idea sounded like fun; however at the end of the day, helping others was not only fun but rewarding.

“It is nice to give back to the community,” Moreno said.

Ildefonso Ortiz covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached atIortiz@themonitor.com and at 956-683-4437.