Regional Food Bank in need of 600 volunteers amid shutdown, holiday season

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is in need of at least 600 volunteers to cover the demand they hope to meet by the end of the month.

"We're always looking for friends and funds. We need people to come in and volunteer; those are our friends. We also need funds to make it happen," Austin Prickett with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma told News 4.

Helping hands have filled the regional food banks in recent weeks as they work around the clock to meet the need for our state's most vulnerable.

They typically package approximately 600 emergency food boxes per week in a normal month.

However, in the next two weeks, they're looking at packing around 10,000.

Although they've prepared for the increase in demand, they need you, Oklahomans, to step in and bridge the gap, especially with Thanksgiving approaching.

Rochelle Johnson, a first-time volunteer at the food bank, came to volunteer alone on her day off, with the mission to make a difference.

"You can give your time. Just find out when you can come and volunteer some kind of way. Go through your cabinets, your canned goods that you don't want. You know, things like that can make a difference," Johnson said.

If you're interested in volunteering, schools can come with students, you can serve with friends, or staff members if you own a business.

The Regional Food Bank has morning, afternoon, and evening shifts available for you to serve.

They've also added time slots on weekends if your schedule doesn't allow much time throughout the week.

Keep in mind, you can also support the organization financially. Making a monetary donation goes a long way, as the food bank can purchase items at a cheaper price than you would at a grocery store.

Click here if you'd like to donate or sign up to volunteer.