Since starting operations in March 2006, the River Food Pantry has come a long way in terms of broadening its volunteer base. Although many of its original volunteers were from Mad City Church, The River now counts on a number of volunteers from a variety of different churches, schools and organizations.
But one group that has had a tremendous impact at The River is a group of men from the Dane County Huber Program and the Ferris Center. The men from the Ferris Center are not only working hard to help The River stock shelves, cook, clean, help out at Badger games and assist clients through the food pantry, but their hearts and lives are being transformed in some amazing ways.
Billy, who has been coming to volunteer at The River when he entered the Ferris Center six months ago, believes his experience has changed him. According to Billy, "The people who volunteer here, like Andy and Jenny Czerkas and the way they give of themselves, made me want to be a better person."
He continued by saying, "I needed to change my circle of friends. I am going to Mad City Church and I’ve made friends there too. It’s turned my life around being here. I intend to continue volunteering once I leave the Ferris Center."
"I didn’t even know about the food pantry, even though I lived on this side of town," stated John, another volunteer from the Ferris Center. John is currently serving 5 months in the Huber Program and spends much of his time volunteering at The River.
"I was impressed by how the people come together. People are willing to lend a hand to each other despite race or color. I’ll look at people differently instead of judging them because of this experience."
Clay, who has been volunteering at The River for the past 2 months, stated "I didn’t know there were people that cared so much about the homeless in this area."
Rick, another volunteer from the Ferris Center, was shocked to learn about how much a place like The River is needed in Madison.
"I have lived in Madison since 1986 and I never realized the need for a place like this. When I was in the Navy, you would see this in other countries, but not in the United States. It opened my eyes to a lot of things that I never thought about," explained Rick.
As with many other volunteers, Rick says that The River has changed him. "My wife told me ‘Maybe you should have done this [volunteer] a long time ago.’ If I had known this place was here last summer, I would have been here instead of gambling or drinking. I just wish this place was a little bigger just so they can serve more people."
"My first Friday night, I was shocked by the number of people that came in," stated Bob, another volunteer from the Ferris Center. Bob continued, "Andy and Jenny have changed me a lot. I’ve changed my ways. God has come into my life and the River Food Pantry helped with that."
Even though Bob has finished serving his time with the Ferris Center, he’s still determined to keep volunteering. "I come here on Tuesday and Fridays. I depend upon the place and shop here too. I’m working now too. I told my boss that on Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 P.M., I got to go volunteer. On Friday nights at 3:30 or 4:00 P.M. I got to go. This is a priority," stated Bob.
"Having the privilege of working at the River Food Pantry, as a volunteer inmate, was a lifeimpacting event for me. Apparently, I had a huge hole in my life that I had been filling with selfishness and alcohol. The River, or more importantly it’s wonderful staff, has given me the opportunity to experience the God sent feeling affiliated with giving back to society and helping those that are less fortunate," according to Smiley, another volunteer from the Ferris Center.
Smiley continued by saying, "This has enabled me to fill that hole with kindness, compassion and Christian fellowship, and I am truly grateful and blessed and thankful."
These men have made a significant contribution to The River over the past year.
Now You Can Donate to The River Online
Now there’s an easy way to donate a financial gift to the River Food Pantry online. The River recently partnered with Network for Good to process online contributions by credit card, check card, Paypal and by online check. This is a great way to make a one-time contribution or to set-up an automatic recurring monthly contribution to The River.
Since The River is a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization, all contributions are tax deductible. Additionally, donors have the option of making online contributions anonymously. A minimum contribution of $10 is required and contributions on your credit card or bank statement will show up as "Network for Good." However, all contributions go directly to The River.
The River pays a nominal 4.75% fee for processing credit card and check card contributions, but contributors online have the option of paying that fee, which is also tax deductible, as part of their contribution. The Network for Good does not profit from these fees and their fees are competitive with other online merchants that provide credit card processing. Different fees apply for paying by online check.
Those that wish to contribute online may also elect to set-up a recurring monthly contribution. This is a great way to help The River develop a steady stream of revenue so it can expand its programs and hours in the future. To make a financial gift today, simply visit the River Food Pantry’s website at www.theriver-madison.org, on "Make a Donation" on the left menu and click on the "Donate NowThrough Network for Good" button.
Your continued support and generosity towards The River is truly appreciated.