Blog / Volunteering

Originally from South Korea, Allie Yang Green moved to the DC area in 2006 after living and studying in New York, Connecticut, and Virginia. Allie started volunteering at Bread’s Legal Clinic in early 2015, and ever since, she has represented victims of domestic violence in civil protection order cases at DC Superior Court. These are her thoughts on the impact that being a volunteer has had on her.

On November 16th, we had several special visitors stop by! Four players from D.C. United visited our NW Center food pantry to support our Holiday Helpings program. Steve Birnbaum, Kofi Opare, Nick DeLeon, and Chris Durkin packed and distributed dozens of holiday meal kits, all of which include a turkey with all the trimmings, to our clients. The guys worked hard to keep up with the infamously long line in our food pantry during this time of year, but also enjoyed one on one time with clients and staff.

On November 10th, Bread for the City hosted the 2017 Volunteer Appreciation Day, where we recognized those who serve day in and day out on behalf of the common good. From legal advice to sustainable agriculture, our volunteers are an amazing group of helpful people serving their community without expectation of compensation or reward!

Chris McCullough of the Washington Wizards visited Bread for the City’s SE Center last week, where he volunteered at its Food Pantry. After handing out food bags, he had quality time with clients and staff, taking pictures and chatting, proving that he really is such a good sport! We interviewed Chris to hear his thoughts on giving back, volunteering, and what he enjoys most about the holiday season.

Bread for the City wouldn’t exist without our dedicated volunteers. They serve as important partners in Bread for the City’s work by contributing hours of their time at our food pantries, orchard, clothing room, rooftop gardens, events, and centers to ensure we remain able to help 8,000 – 10,000 people each month. We can’t do it without them. Marie Hoffman is one of these amazing volunteers. After ten years serving at Bread, she shares her story.

This spring (March and April) at City Orchard, we have focused on spring cleaning and preparations for a fruitful summer. In addition to harvesting the greens University of the District of Columbia (UDC) generously offer us from their hydroponics greenhouses, we weeded, mulched, trellised and pruned our fruit trees and berries to prepare for the summer ahead.

When the doors of Bread for the City are open, they are matched by the hearts of thousands of generous volunteers who serve our two centers and orchard, and support a host of special projects each year.

They come in all shapes and sizes, from all corners of the metro area, and all walks of life. They are lawyers, business owners, retirees, students, and everything in between. Above all, they are selfless and committed to being of service to their community. Luckily for us, Bread for the City is a part of that community!