If you have attended any of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank's events during the past five years, chances are you have seen Bryce. Whether it’s working late into the night at Operation Orange, handing out race packets to runners for Selfless Elf, or serving as a committee member for Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he is always ready to lend a helping hand.
Like many students, Bryce was first introduced to the Foodbank while completing service hours required by his high school. He enjoyed the flexible schedule and even created a game tracking his volunteer hours, seeing if he could beat his total from the previous month! Now, as a full-time student at The University of Akron with two on-campus jobs, he continues to dedicate his free time to hunger-relief.
“If waking up early on a Saturday and volunteering means a child, veteran or family is able to have a meal, then I am prepared to come in every Saturday, because life is about being there for others.”
For Bryce, volunteering is a welcomed break from his busy schedule. Apart from supporting the Foodbank's mission, he loves working with staff and other volunteers.
“Due to my class schedule and multiple jobs, it’s sometimes hard to come in on a regular basis, but whether it has been a week or three months—the staff always remembers my name. I always feel welcomed!”
Bryce is one of more than 400 volunteers from The University of Akron whose work provided more than 29,800 meals to our community in 2017. Because of their dedicated, hands-on support, The University of Akron was named the Foodbank’s Organizational Volunteer Group of the Year at this year's annual volunteer celebration!