Volunteer of the Month: TJ Jensen | December 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.
For over six years, TJ Jensen has been a regular volunteer at Hunger Task Force, contributing more than 1,000 hours of his time since retiring in 2018! From assembling Stockboxes to sorting donations and assisting at The Farm, TJ’s commitment and enthusiasm shine in every task he undertakes. His dedication, humor and consistency have made him a valued member of the Hunger Task Force volunteer community. We are proud to honor TJ as December’s Volunteer of the Month!
Q: When did you start volunteering with Hunger Task Force?
TJ: I started volunteering shortly after I retired in 2018. I wanted to find a meaningful way to give back to the community and Hunger Task Force seemed like the perfect fit. Six years later, I’m still here, and I love it.
Q: What volunteer activities do you help with?
TJ: I’ve done a bit of everything! Packing Stockboxes is probably my favorite activity because it’s so hands-on and satisfying. I’ve also sorted donations, helped with events, and worked out at the Farm. Each activity is different, and that keeps things interesting.
Q: What’s your favorite part about volunteering?
TJ: The people, hands down. Whether it’s the staff, other volunteers, or the folks we’re ultimately helping, everyone brings so much heart to this work. It’s inspiring to see so many people coming together for a common cause.
Q: How did you get involved?
TJ: A friend mentioned the great work Hunger Task Force was doing, so I decided to check it out. From the first day, I felt welcome and knew I had found a place where I could make a difference.
Q: Why do you continue to pick Hunger Task Force?
TJ: Hunger Task Force’s mission is so clear and impactful. I know my time is directly helping people in need, whether it’s through the food we pack or the events we support. That’s a powerful motivator to keep coming back.
Q: What’s been your most memorable experience volunteering?
TJ: One moment that sticks out was helping at The Farm during harvest season. Seeing the fresh produce we were picking and knowing it was going to feed families was incredibly rewarding. Plus, I learned how to harvest squash without getting pricked by the stems!
Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering at Hunger Task Force?
TJ: Just do it. There’s something for everyone here, and you’ll leave every shift knowing you made a difference. Plus, you’ll meet some amazing people along the way.
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.