An Update from the JFS Volunteer Coordinator
Jennifer Oxfeld
JFS Volunteers play a key role in carrying out our vision that no one in our community should suffer hunger, isolation, abandonment, emotional or physical distress, or lack of community support
and caring.
Collectively, volunteers bring joy and sunshine to everything they do, and it is because of volunteers that the agency has been able to grow and flourish.
The Mazel Meals program started with eight drivers in 2018 and has grown to 15 drivers who deliver prepared meals to more than 50 older adults across the Lehigh Valley. The Community Food Pantry has expanded to serve over 160 households a month with the help of two dozen volunteers. These individuals stock shelves, guide clients through the grocery store-style pantry, pack boxes for Meals on Wheels, and pick up donations from community partners including Wawa, Wegmans, Giant, and Monocacy Farm.
Another way JFS continues to grow is by developing relationships with local colleges and businesses throughout the community. Over the years JFS has welcomed volunteers to the food pantry from Muhlenberg College, Cedar Crest College, Lexus of Lehigh Valley (see Volunteer Spotlight article), and Wegmans.
As JFS continues to increase the number of households that the food pantry serves, we are in need of more volunteers to help with deliveries from Second Harvest Food Bank. JFS receives 2,500-5,000 pounds of food twice a month which is unloaded from the truck, sorted, organized, and stocked on the shelves in the Community Food Pantry.
Transportation is a challenge for many older adult clients, and we are actively recruiting volunteer drivers to bolster the driver pool. Over the past 10 years, JFS has partnered with ShareCare Faith in Action, a community organization that facilitates rides for older adults. ShareCare provides training to volunteer drivers, as well as liability insurance. Partnering with them has allowed JFS to grow our volunteer pool and provide invaluable assistance to clients. Volunteering to drive once or twice a month helps older adults get to medical appointments and community programs. This vital service needs you to make a difference for JFS clients.
Life’s garden is filled with seeds of opportunity. Join our volunteer team to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community, and help our garden grow.
Contact Jennifer Oxfeld at
volunteer@jfslv.org.