Kristen RemingtonChannel 2 News
It takes an army of dedicated people to operate the 65,000 square foot facility in McCarran east of Sparks.
This is the Food Bank of Northern Nevada's distribution center where some 5,000 volunteers last year donated 20,000+ hours of their time.
Some drop by to help once or twice, while others lend a helping hand much more frequently -- like Phil Bushard.
Now retired, he commits time every week to help the hungry and has so for years. "I usually like to stay anonymous, opposed to doing this in front of the camera."
That's how Phil likes it.
In fact, in searching old video from our previous "Share Your Christmas" food drives and other Food Bank events, we couldn't find Phil in a single shot.
He doesn't volunteer for recognition, but simply because, "it's important for the community. It's important for my soul...I just do it because it's something, it's one other area I can contribute, like I'm making a difference."
Jocelyn Lantrip of the Food Bank jokingly told us, "Phil never says no to them." Whether it's helping people fill out the daunting paperwork needed for assistance or helping them sort and distribute donations. It's evident Phil's passion mirrors that of the Food Bank staff.
It doesn't go unnoticed. "He works at our events, out at the warehouse, hands out commodity boxes to seniors. He is our go-to guy... or one of them."
And he likely will be for years to come.
"I don't ever see that stopping."
Phil will help us out at our Summit Mall "Share Your Christmas" location this year.
We'll also be set up at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, the Governor's Mansion in Carson City and the Carson Valley Inn in Minden.
Last year, we collected nearly 180,000 pounds of food and more than $100,000.
We'll collect donations at several drop off locations including:
The Summit next to Tilly's
13925 S. Virginia, Reno
Scolari's
1300 Disc Drive, Sparks
Champagne Family Dentistry
735 Sparks Blvd, Sparks
Gold Dust West
444 Vine St., Reno
Although non-perishable items are accepted, some suggestions include:
- Canned Meats
- Canned Fish
- Peanut Butter
- Macaroni & Cheese and Pasta Meals
- Powdered Milk
- Baby Formula, Baby Food
- Complete Meals-Stews, Chili, Ravioli, Hearty Soups, etc.
- Canned Fruits, Juice and Vegetables
- Dry Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Pasta
- Monetary Donations-Make checks payable to: The Food Bank of Northern Nevada
For more information on the Food Bank go to http://fbnn.org/
