When I tell people we have (give or take) 100 volunteers, I think to myself, is that right? And every so often we count and sure enough 100 volunteers.  Most of you are here today. May I say today, you are a sight for sore eyes!!!
Regardless of the weather, every week One Hundred volunteers come to the Pantry with different talents, work ethic, skills, and questions.  Coming together and seeing eye-to-eye on one major issue – HUNGER.  In Weymouth, 400-500 families a month would not have enough to eat if our volunteers were not here and didn’t care. But, you do and that is cause for celebration and for appreciation!
Your thoughts and ideas are appreciated.  Because of you, and all you do be it taking out the trash and recyclables or interviewing clients or telling your friends and neighbors about the Pantry, whatever day or days you work, all who have need have received good wholesome nourishing food, a feast for weary eyes, a life saver for those who have been in need.  You are quite the vision!

So thank you, thank you all:  On behalf of all those we serve, on behalf of all those who support us as well as our Board of directors, thank you:
Also, a special thank you to our very special friends, our first line of support and our soon to be landlord: Father Bill and the Immaculate Conception Parish.

Pat Adams recognized many volunteers who have been active at the pantry for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years.

Anne Mates read a tribute to Gert Gumpright a food pantry volunteer for over 20 years, who recently passed away. Gert was remembered for being an institution in the waiting room, keeping the room organized, cutting coupons which she did both at the Pantry and at home; greeting people as they came in chatting with them, really making them feel welcome.

And a group of “Newbies” were duly sworn in as first-year volunteers.

For many of you it was an eye opening experience when you first came to the Pantry: Realizing just how many people in our neighborhoods are in need.  You responded to that need with your commitment to the pantry.  You’ve heard the expression, “The eyes are the mirrors of the soul.”  We see compassion in your soul as you work to help those in need.

Thank you, VOLUNTEERS for another amazing year!