Iris Saltzer wanted to give back. As a single woman with adult children living out of town, her time was her own and she wanted to use it to help others. Being a member of The Transition Network, an organization for women age 50 and older, allowed her the opportunity to become involved with various volunteer organizations, including Island Harvest.
“I used to volunteer with them many years ago. I guess I really felt an affinity for the organization,” says Saltzer, a Westbury resident. “I’ve always wanted to give back and Island Harvest has always had a soft spot in my heart. I love what the organization is doing. Right in our own backyard there are so many hungry people so I want to do whatever I can to help.”
Island Harvest is a food bank that collects food from national and local sources and distributes it to non-profit organizations across Long Island and directly to people in need. They also provide support and services, such as cooking demonstrations and providing nutrition information, to those in need.
Island Harvest president Randi Shubin Dresner says that volunteers like Saltzer are an essential part of the organization’s mission.
“Volunteers are an extension of our staff. The only way we could get into the community as deeply as we do is because of the support of our volunteers,” Shubin Dresner said.
In the past, Saltzer has delivered food to group homes, and collected money for Island Harvest at the school she taught at. She’s gotten more involved again as of this past summer, and has been able to use her people skills to raise awareness for the cause. She’s helped sell raffle tickets at the Scottish Games at Old Westbury Gardens, worked at the mobile food pantry, has done public speaking events to recruit student volunteers and volunteers at the Island Harvest office.
“It makes me feel good that you’re not only donating money, but time where it’s really needed in all these different ways,” says Saltzer.
Shubin Dresner says that in any given week, there are 300 to 400 volunteers working with Island Harvest. In 2013, they logged 70,000 hours of service. And volunteers are able to help in a variety of ways, using their specific skill sets.
“Many of our volunteers help pick up and deliver food, there are many others who help with their professional skills like graphic design, marketing, legal talents. We have all sorts of different tasks for the skills we have,” Shubin Dresner said.
Island Harvest is always looking for volunteers. If you’d like to get involved or find out more information, check out www.islandharvest.org.
