Quality time as a couple is important. John Giddens, a retired Disney employee of 35 years, and his wife Dawn, who loves sewing and embroidery, have been volunteering together at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida almost every week for the past three years!
They understand that 1 in 8 Central Florida neighbors face hunger, and every shift they work helps provide thousands of meals for kids, families and seniors facing hunger. John and Dawn are grateful for what they have and believe in giving back to the community.
“It gives you an appreciation for a lot of folks who don’t have what other people do have and we have been very fortunate,” expresses John.
“It’s an opportunity to show my faith through service,” adds Dawn.
John is passionate about helping the community and knows that his actions are making a difference.
“Certainly, food is a big deal for a lot of people who don’t have it,” says John. “I was very fortunate and always had food on my table, but it’s not that way for a lot of people.”
Dawn shares the same sentiments and believes that people should have access to the nutritious food they need to work, learn and thrive.
“People need to have food; I don’t understand how we can have so many people go hungry in this country,” echoed Dawn.
Aside from addressing hunger, John and Dawn enjoy volunteering because they get to meet new people and learn about their experiences.
“I love meeting people. I love learning what they do,” says Dawn.
Thanks to the unwavering commitment of volunteers like John and Dawn, food donations are sorted, packed, and distributed to people facing hunger right here in Central Florida.