Volunteer of the Month: Angie Sandoval | August 2024
Each month Hunger Task Force is honored to recognize an individual or organization that goes above and beyond in their service to the organization.
Hunger Task Force relies on the help of more than 16,000 generous volunteers every year. From food sorting and building healthy food boxes for seniors to helping individuals shop the Mobile Market and harvesting at The Farm, volunteers help Hunger Task Force feed people today and support our work in ending future hunger.
Angie Sandoval’s volunteer journey with Hunger Task Force started in 2016 during a high school service day, and it has since profoundly influenced both her personal and professional life. As a passionate volunteer, Angie has leveraged her role at Johnson Controls to foster a strong partnership between her workplace and Hunger Task Force. Her leadership has been instrumental in connecting hundreds of Johnson Controls employees to service opportunities. Inspired by her own experiences and shared values of helping others, Angie has aligned her personal values with Hunger Task Force’s core mission and become a dedicated advocate for our work. We are proud to recognize Angie as our Volunteer of the Month for August 2024!
Q: When did you start getting involved with Hunger Task Force?
Angie: I first became involved with Hunger Task Force in 2016 as a high school student. That year, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School hosted an all-school volunteer day, and I eagerly participated, beginning my volunteer journey with Hunger Task Force. It feels like a long time ago, but I’ve been part of the Hunger Task Force family ever since!
Q: What volunteer activities have you helped with?
Angie: Over the years, I have supported various activities with Hunger Task Force. I’ve volunteered at Stomp Out Hunger (Summerfest food drive,) packed Stockboxes for our seniors, sorted food from festival collections, boxed up frozen donations and even spent time at The Farm. Each volunteer experience has taught me so much, and the Hunger Task Force team is always a pleasure to work with. I always feel welcome and never tire of coordinating events to bring in new volunteers. Teaching others about Wisconsin’s only Free & Local food bank has become one of my favorite activities.
Q: What’s your favorite part about volunteering?
Angie: My favorite part of volunteering is learning about the direct impact our work has on our local communities. I especially love that we, as volunteers, get to learn this from passionate and inspiring people. Every time I come to volunteer, I am reminded of Hunger Task Force’s “Core Values” – Dignity, Justice, Equity, Compassion and Stewardship – which I also hold close to my heart.
Q: What made you want to volunteer?
Angie: I’ve always been passionate about service and giving back to my community, but what specifically motivates me to volunteer with Hunger Task Force are the people. Volunteering is already a feel-good experience, but doing it with a team that is so positive, encouraging, and transparent about their love for the work they do is unparalleled. It feels like a true family all working towards the same goal.
Q: Why do you continue to pick Hunger Task Force?
Angie: I continue to volunteer with Hunger Task Force because I believe more people should learn about the incredible work they do. From growing and distributing half a million pounds of fresh produce at The Farm to the chaotic (but fun) festival drives, I believe not enough people are aware of the selfless efforts this organization makes year-round to prevent hunger in our most vulnerable communities.
Q: What’s been your most memorable experience volunteering?
Angie: If I had to pick my most memorable experience so far, it would be the 2023 Stomp Out Hunger event at Summerfest. Partnering with Johnson Controls made it especially memorable, as it was inspiring to see JCI volunteers in action. Fest-goers were enthusiastic about bringing in their cans and meeting some FOX 6 on-air personalities! I love how this event united so many communities in the fight against hunger.
Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering at Hunger Task Force?
Angie: If someone is considering volunteering with Hunger Task Force, I would say, “Absolutely, let’s go—it’s going to be a great time!” Then, I’d likely share all the fascinating facts I’ve learned from the tours to pique their interest.
For more information on how you can get involved, visit: www.HungerTaskForce.org/volunteer
Meet our Volunteers of the Month!
Click below to discover the people making a difference in the fight against hunger – new volunteers added each month! Keep checking back to meet more incredible volunteers helping end hunger in Milwaukee.