Volunteer of the Month: Jean Faas | November 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.
In just two years, Jean Faas has given nearly 100 hours of her time, bringing a sense of duty and commitment to her volunteerism. From conducting surveys at food pantries to distributing farmers’ market vouchers for seniors, Jean’s contributions touch many aspects of our mission. She has been a vital part of programs like the Harvest Box and DoorDash delivery, often assisting with mailings, phone calls and other critical administrative tasks. We’re grateful to have Jean in our volunteer family and are proud to name her our Volunteer of the Month for November 2024.
Q: When did you start volunteering with Hunger Task Force?
Jean: I started shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began. I had to leave my job because of a medical disability, but I felt a strong need to continue serving others, just as I did in my previous career. Hunger Task Force truly exemplifies the spirit of “service,” and I’m honored to be part of it.
Q: What volunteer activities do you help with?
Jean: I’ve taken on several roles, including conducting surveys at local food pantries and distributing farmers’ market vouchers to seniors at various locations. I also assist with administrative tasks like mailings and phone calls for Hunger Task Force programs such as the Harvest Box and DoorDash delivery. For the past two years, I’ve prepared breakfast for Hunger Task Force staff working hard at the Wisconsin State Fair opening day food drive.
Q: What’s your favorite part about volunteering?
Jean: My family has a deep commitment to serving others—my parents, siblings, children, nieces, nephews, and my husband, John, all dedicate their lives to service, whether through their work, volunteering, or both. From a young age, my parents taught me the importance of humility, gratitude, kindness, and putting others before myself. Volunteering is one of the greatest honors of my life, and it brings me immense joy to contribute to such a meaningful mission.
Q: How did you get involved?
Jean: My best friend, Mardi Smirl, the Hunger Task Force Community Relations Manager, invited me to join this incredible volunteer community. I’m so glad she did.
Q: Why do you continue to pick Hunger Task Force?
Jean: Hunger Task Force’s mission aligns so closely with my own values. I absolutely love connecting with the Hunger Task Force staff—they are all united by the same mission and treat volunteers like a genuine part of the team.
Q: What’s been your most memorable experience volunteering?
Jean: One of the most memorable moments has been seeing hope light up the faces of the people we serve. No one should ever go hungry, and being part of that positive change is something I’ll never forget.
Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering at Hunger Task Force?
Jean: There are so many ways to give your time, and volunteering with Hunger Task Force allows you to make a real difference in the lives of others. Food and nutrition are essential to life, and playing a part in this mission is a gift that doesn’t need thanks—it’s fulfilling all on its own. Ask yourself, “Why not?”
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.