PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The board of directors for Grace Interfaith Food Table have announced the upcoming retirement of volunteer director, Charlene Buzza.
Buzza, who has served GIFT for seven years, six of them as volunteer director, is looking to retire from the volunteer position in July of next year.
“I’ve loved almost every minute of my time here as volunteer director, but it’s time to step back a bit and let someone else have the opportunity to serve the area,” said Buzza. “The job will take someone with compassion and kindness to take over. I’ll be happy to work alongside someone willing to step up.”
The food pantry board hopes to find someone before July so that person can work with Buzza to learn the ropes of running a food pantry. Although the role is unpaid, there are many rewards associated with doing the work.
“There are lots of days I wonder why I do this work, but there are more days that I absolutely know why,” Buzza said.
“I have gotten smiles, hugs, and even happy tears. I have had people tell me how much I have helped their family, how the food they receive has helped them have a real Thanksgiving or Christmas,” she said.
“These are what I call Godwinks. These are the reasons I have stayed for six years.”
Buzza has worked diligently, building a great team of volunteers who help her manage the operations of the pantry. She relies on their help each and every week to unload food trucks, sort and store food items and pack boxes for clients.
Since the arrival of COVID-19, clients are no longer able to come into the facility to “shop” for the items they want. Rather, volunteers fill food boxes based on client needs and deliver them to their cars. Volunteers also help maintain safe food practices, scheduling client appointments, and fundraising.
Buzza hopes the right person will find it in their heart to continue this work in the community.
“The Board appreciates the wonderful job Charlene has been doing for the last six plus years,” said Maylen Kenney, board president. “We wish her a well-deserved ‘retirement’ and look forward to working with whomever steps up as the next volunteer director.”
The food pantry has served 433 families from April to September 2020, up from 264 families in all of 2019. The need has increased significantly due to COVID-19, yet GIFT volunteers, under the direction of Buzza, have continued to meet the needs of the communities of Castle Hill, Chapman, Crouseville, Mapleton and Presque Isle.
Community members, civic groups and local churches have supported GIFT’s efforts with donations of food, funds and helping hands to pack and distribute the food to clients.
Through membership, GIFT receives food from Catholic Charities and USDA. Any other staples needed are purchased by GIFT with funds collected through various sources, including the annual garden tour fundraiser.
For more information about the role of volunteer director, please contact Buzza at (207) 769-5301.
