Volunteering at HHC is 'Rewarding'

The Hunger and Health Coalition has been blessed with Judy Bokorney's volunteer presence since August of last year, which she reports is a "rewarding" place to give her time.

"Providing people in need with sustaining food is so vital to the community," said volunteer Judy Bokorney. "Preparing food boxes and meals for clients offers volunteers a sense of purpose knowing they are making a difference in the lives of those who are food insecure. I really enjoy the mutual trust and friendship among the staff and volunteers in the mission to serve those deserving healthy nutrition." 

Judy was mutual friends with folks who knew HHC's previous Mobile Delivery Coordinator, Candace Kelling-Salzler. Judy had shared with Candace that she had previously worked for a nonprofit in Florida, and Candace recommended she get in touch with HHC. 

"I think a lot of Candace," Judy said. "I thought, 'If Candace is working there, it has to be a good place to work.'"  

Whether its in the kitchen, the market, or in the pantry, Judy can be seen helping in various parts of operations. Volunteer Coordinator Matt Arnold said Judy always comes in with a positive attitude, works hard, and communicates well with staff and other volunteers. He added that he wishes he could schedule her to be with us every day! Client Support Assistant Chelsea Pipes also said she loves Judy as she's "willing to pitch in" wherever needed.

Judy encouraged others in the community to volunteer at HHC, saying the staff are "so sweet and so kind." 

"They're easy going, mission driven, they care about what they're doing, they care about the clients, and they treat volunteers really well," Judy said. 

Judy grew up in Chicago and later spent 25 years in Sarasota, Florida, where she and her husband had two sons. For 22 of those years she served as the Director of Communications for Catholic Charities, which maintained food pantries in a 10-county area. She would visit North Carolina in the summer as her mother and step-father would live in the area during the summer, and her youngest son later attended Appalachian State University.  

 Judy and her husband moved to the High Country a little more than two years ago after she retired. Together they enjoy going skiing, biking, hiking, golfing, and being outdoors. 

To join Judy as one of our regular and admired volunteers, reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Matt Arnold at matta@hungerandhealthcoalition.org or visit www.hungerandhealthcoalition.org/volunteer-1.