Caroline Matthews has been a longtime supporter of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. As an engineering team leader for Corning Incorporated, she led her division’s annual Empty Bowls program, a luncheon and awareness program that benefits the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.
As waves of the pandemic hit the local economy, she took an early retirement, but her passion for leading and helping others continues.
“After my past involvement with the Food Bank and seeing the lines of local people who needed help, I wanted to be part of the solution. So, I contacted the Food Bank asking how I could help,” shared Caroline.
In late June, Caroline began volunteering virtually to take registration calls for those signing up to attend Community Food Distributions and Mobile Food Pantries.
“The calls I have received during registration are often filled with pure gratitude. Other times you can hear how scared and desperate a first-time caller is,” reflects Caroline. “However, it is amazing how a two-minute conversation about getting food can provide so much relief to a family.”
To-date she has volunteered more than 100 hours.
“The pandemic has shown how deeply connected we are. When one person is struggling, we all are. There are so many opportunities for you to make an impact. Even if you cannot give your time or resources, raise your voice and call or email your elected representatives. Driving change in our local community takes each of us and our talents,” encouraged Caroline.