by Brian Pham

Caterina not only has a huge heart, but she is one of the most modest volunteers we know! We were fortunate to meet Caterina back in 2009 when she helped organize 25 of her colleagues at Deutsche Bank to volunteer at our Bronx warehouse. Since then, she not only brought her department back to the warehouse to volunteer again, she was one of many reasons why we now have three monthly volunteer groups from her corporation.

As part of our efforts to honor our volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 18-24, the Food Bank is posting interviews with a different volunteer every weekday. Here is my interview with Caterina…

Tell us a little bit about your volunteer experience with the Food Bank.
In 2009, I was part of a group of people selected by my employer, Deutsche Bank, to coordinate a volunteer event.
Given the economic environment, we decided without hesitation that we wanted to help the less fortunate find their next meal. And so my ride with the Food Bank For New York City began. I personally volunteered at their 90,000 square foot warehouse in the Bronx, and other colleagues volunteered at their Community Kitchen & Food Pantry of West Harlem. It has been a very rewarding and enriching experience for all of us.

Why do you volunteer with the Food Bank?
I like to volunteer to help the less fortunate in my community.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with the Food Bank?
Volunteers are needed, so please sign up today to help people in need. Food Bank For New York City can channel your individual volunteer effort and make sure that your time spent volunteering makes a difference in someone else's life.

Caterina not only volunteers with the Food Bank, she also helps to collect non-perishable items to be donated and distributed to New Yorkers in need. She truly is a role-model volunteer and we can’t thank her enough! Please join us in honoring Caterina and our other volunteers – post a comment to let them know how you feel about volunteers or to share your own story!

If you would like organize a group of volunteers to volunteer at our Bronx warehouse or start a Virtual or Traditional Food Drive, please email me at bpham@foodbanknyc.org.