Northern Illinois Food Bank treats volunteers to movie night as a thank you

Posted October 19, 2020 11:00 pm

Submitted by Northern Illinois Food Bank

Northern Illinois Food Bank treats volunteers to movie night as a thank you

Northern Illinois Food Bank staff prepare for a special drive-in movie night at their Geneva facility to honor their volunteers. Courtesy of Northern Illinois Food Bank

Northern Illinois Food Bank volunteers were special guests at a unique appreciation event thanking them for their commitment to volunteerism during the pandemic.

Food Bank volunteers awaiting sunset for the movie to start. Courtesy of Northern Illinois Food Bank

Food Bank staff converted the exterior of its 180,000-square-foot Geneva facility into a drive-in movie theater, complete with concessions, for a special screening of the 1987 classic movie "The Princess Bride."

"Volunteers are vital to fulfilling Northern Illinois Food Bank's mission of solving hunger by providing meals to those in need. Without people willing to offer their time free of charge, it would be impossible to meet the increased need we have been witnessing," said Nancy Nehmer, volunteer engagement coordinator with the Food Bank.

Northern Illinois Food Bank staff converted the exterior of its 180,000 square-foot Geneva facility into a drive-in movie theater to show appreciation to its volunteers. Courtesy of Northern Illinois Food Bank

"Our volunteers are a cherished asset. Since the pandemic began, however, it's been a challenge to find ways to thank and honor our volunteer base. Traditional volunteer appreciation gatherings had to be sidelined due to the pandemic. The drive-in movie night was a safe way for us to honor and thank our many volunteers and their families, bringing them together while staying socially distanced."

Northern Illinois Food Bank staff converted the exterior of its 180,000-square-foot Geneva facility into a drive-in movie theater, complete with concessions, for a special screening of the 1987 classic movie "The Princess Bride." Courtesy of Northern Illinois Food Bank

The Food Bank is currently providing more than 9 million meals a month to area families, a 50% increase from last year, due to hardships brought about by COVID-19.

For information on how to volunteer at the Food Bank, visit www.SolveHungerToday.org.

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