The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank recognized dedicated volunteers during National Volunteer Week, honoring volunteers and organizations making a significant impact on local hunger relief.
The Foodbank relies heavily on volunteer support at both its Main Campus in Akron and its Stark County Campus in Canton. In 2024, it hosted nearly 11,000 volunteers who donated more than 74,000 hours of service. Volunteer efforts helped provide more than 2.3 million meals last year.
Volunteers sort and pack donations in the Foodbank’s warehouses, help at both onsite food pantries, build food boxes for older adults, drive to pick up and deliver food donations, make home deliveries for neighbors who have mobility and transportation challenges and so much more.
“This food bank was founded by volunteers more than 40 years ago and they continue to be the lifeblood of this work. We are deeply grateful for the dedicated community members and groups who choose to support local hunger relief. We couldn’t do this work without them,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO.
For its annual awards, the Foodbank recognized three categories of award winners at each campus – Organizational Volunteer Group of the Year, Corporate Volunteer Group of the Year and Individual Volunteer of the Year.
Stark County Campus Award Winners
The Organizational Volunteer Group of the Year was awarded to Caring and Serving Together (CAST). A unique group that includes students, professionals and retirees, CAST completed more than 900 service hours and sent 100 volunteers to the Foodbank’s Stark County Campus last year. The group has been supporting the Foodbank since 2022.
The Corporate Volunteer of the Year award went to Synchrony. Synchrony has volunteered with the Foodbank since 2017 and began volunteering at the Stark County Campus in 2022. Last year, more than 70 volunteers donated 200 service hours sorting and packing food boxes and at the food pantry in Canton.
Kurt Gramlich, 68, of Stow was recognized as the Individual Volunteer of the Year. In 2024, he visited the Foodbank 80 times and contributed nearly 230 service hours in the volunteer center and food pantry.
Main Campus Award Winners
The X-Thrifters was recognized as the Organizational Volunteer Group of the Year. Sorting product in the volunteer center and restocking shelves in the pantry, the group contributed more than 440 hours of service in 2024.
“The X-Thrifters demonstrated unwavering commitment to our mission and the neighbors we serve,” said Karen Sheppard, office & guest experience supervisor for the Foodbank. “Their hard work and compassion embody the spirit of volunteerism, and we are honored to recognize them.”
The Corporate Volunteer of the Year award was given to The J.M. Smucker Co. Contributing more than 750 service hours to the Foodbank and providing nearly 400 volunteers to help fight local hunger, the Company offers hands-on service and skill-based volunteerism through a variety of partnerships.
“We're deeply honored to be named the 2024 Corporate Volunteer of the Year by our long-time partners at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank,” said Laura Miller, coordinator, Smucker experience. “This recognition highlights the generous efforts and inspiring dedication of our employee volunteers. Together, as friends and leaders in our communities, we are dedicated to supporting the Foodbank and making a significant impact on people in need. We appreciate this continued partnership and remain committed to our mission to strengthen and support our communities.”
Couple, Jerry, 71, and Tammy Gonsiewski, 64, of Barberton have been recognized as the Individual Volunteers of the Year. Collectively, they visited the Foodbank nearly 260 times in 2024 and contributed more than 1,000 hours of service. Originally volunteering at the drive-thru distributions, the couple transitioned to working in the pantry, volunteer center and at the front desk.
“Their generosity of spirit and commitment inspire us all, and we simply cannot thank them enough for the time, energy and compassion they give to our neighbors,” said Sheppard. “Tammy and Jerry are always offering a warm smile and compassionate support to help us serve our community with care and efficiency. Their commitment and impact are truly remarkable!
To learn more about the Foodbank’s volunteer opportunities, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org.