Sheila Sandford has been volunteering with Volunteer Fairfax (VF) for as long as she can remember; in fact, she has a button from our 1996 VolunteerFest event! Recently, she shared why she volunteers through VF: “There are so many different options to support the various communities that need volunteers, and I can choose the opportunities in which I am most interested.” In 2021, Sheila joined the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). She says, “even more opportunities are available to me as I can volunteer during the week. The RSVP newsletter provides great information about the various volunteer opportunities, and there is a monthly RSVP Volunteer Event that allows us to get together and support an organization as a group.” Since 2010, Sheila has also been a regular donor to support VF’s operations because, as she says, “the work this organization does is something I value and want to continue.”
Sheila has volunteered for various nonprofits over the years, but she found her passion at Food for Others. “I enjoy supporting their mission; I am able to directly interact with their clients as well as support the back end of the warehouse to get the food ready for distribution.” Food for Others is grateful to have her – Shannon White, the Volunteer Coordinator, says, “Sheila has been a tremendous asset to our volunteer team. She is dedicated to our clients and passionate about Food for Others’ mission to help our neighbors in need. Our Warehouse Associate relies heavily on Sheila for many tasks, such as sorting produce, restocking boxes for distribution, and serving clients directly.” Points of Light, a global leader in civic engagement founded by former President George H.W. Bush, says that 60% of all nonprofit work is performed by volunteers. It is only with the assistance of hundreds of dedicated volunteers like VF’s Sheila Sandford, that Food for Others can provide food to 2,627 households weekly. Volunteer Fairfax is proud of our wonderful volunteers like Sheila and grateful for her financial support, without which we could not fulfill our own mission of supporting outstanding nonprofits such as Food for Others.
Sheila Sandford
Sheila’s Pin from1996 VolunteerFest!