When I was a teenager, I volunteered as a candy striper at the hospital. I discovered that serving others was an important part of life. I wanted my kids to discover that as well. So, about ten years ago, Matthew, Olivia and I started to volunteer in the warehouse at the food bank. I never "made" them do it. It was something they wanted to do, and they looked forward to it each week. In high school, Matthew volunteered several mornings each week on the distribution line loading boxes into cars. Olivia and I continued over the years as well. We all learned the importance of focusing on someone other than ourselves. Serving and helping others is in our nature.
The people who work and volunteer at the Northshore Food Bank are so friendly, caring, dedicated and hardworking. There are many in this parish who struggle with food insecurity, and my family is grateful to be a part of helping them put food on their tables.
Matthew has graduated from college now, and he is working in Dallas. He continues to volunteer there with Habitat for Humanity. Olivia is a senior at LSU. She continues to volunteer on campus and also with the Northshore Food Bank when she is home on breaks. I am a regular volunteer every Tuesday packing the lagniappe boxes. --Sloan Becker
The Becker Family has been volunteering with Northshore Food Bank since 2014.
