by Krystine Keeler

Todd & Kay, Community Kitchen volutneers

Todd and Kay Ziplow have been volunteering at the Food Bank’s Community Kitchen & Food Pantry of West Harlem once a week since September 2009! Kay and Todd — a professional writer and real estate investor who split their time between Water Mill, NY and Manhattan — can be found at the Community Kitchen every Thursday afternoon from 12:00 to 6:30. 

As part of our efforts to honor our volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 18–24, the Food Bank has posted interviews with volunteers throughout the week. Here is my interview with Kay Ziplow…
 
Tell us a little bit about your volunteer experience with the Food Bank.
Both Todd and I have made a pledge in our lives together to reach out and touch others by doing something with a 'hands on approach.' We appreciate the opportunity to be directly involved — to perhaps make a difference in one day of someone's life. We decided that our energy would be best served by contacting the Food Bank to fulfill our interest in being a part of their efforts and mission. We love to work in the kitchen where we assist in every facet of meal preparation and service with the wonderful chefs, staff and other volunteers. Everyone's joint effort makes each and every meal a possibility for those individuals in need and who utilize the Community Kitchen as their meal source or food pantry. Volunteering here has made a difference in our lives, and we hope that our sincere and genuine efforts have reached those who are in need. Knowing that someone's plate is full, that they will not go hungry and that perhaps a simple smile has completed their meal gives us a personal depth of gratification. The continuity of volunteering each and every week has enhanced our interaction with the community of those who not only eat at the Community Kitchen, but hopefully those who work there as well.

Why do you volunteer with the Food Bank?
Volunteering at the Community Kitchen for us has no boundaries — we are receptive to doing all the tasks associated with food preparation, meal service, clean-up and anything else necessary! We are ready, willing and able to do whatever it takes at the direction of those running the food service program at the kitchen. Volunteering there each and every week is truly a highlight for us — reaching out to embrace those who are in need, those who should never go hungry, and those less fortunate in life is a responsibility we take seriously  and will continue to give of ourselves to see that no one is hungry.   

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with the Food Bank?
We strongly encourage those we know to come and volunteer at the Community Kitchen. The wonderful staff there at the Community Kitchen is a special group of committed, compassionate, loving and warm individuals who truly make a difference for people each and every day. The organization is compatible for our personal preferences of volunteering where there is a good deal of physical labor and work involved. Volunteering is about giving of one's self - with no limitations or script — and at the end of the day knowing that perhaps you touched someone's life.

Please join us in honoring Todd, Kay and our other volunteers — post a comment to let them know how you feel about volunteers or to share your own story! And if you’d like to meet another of our amazing Community Kitchen volunteers, check out our posts by and about O’Neil Hutchinson.

If you would to volunteer at our Community Kitchen, fill out our online application and we’ll be in touch!