Retiree feeds his soul by feeding El Paso’s hungry
EL PASO, Texas -- When we talk about good vibes, we're talking about spreading good feelings and goodwill in our community. Perhaps no one does that more than Dave Wellons. The retired U.S. Army Colonel spends the majority of his days volunteering at El Pasoans Fighting Hunger.
"It's an opportunity to be able to give something to the community who served us when we were deployed. I'm thankful for the support for our soldiers," Wellons says.
Passing out food boxes isn't the only thing Dave does for the food bank. He fixes canopies, which get battered by winds, helps with traffic control, maintains shopping carts, sorts food, cleans the warehouse and more. He's a jack of all trades out of necessity. The food bank needs 40 to 80 volunteers a day, but right now is only getting about five to ten. Dave is almost always one of them and is trying to recruit more potential volunteers. It's more than just handing over a box of food. It's interacting with the community.
"If you wanna see what the food hungry in EP are like, what your neighbors are like, you wanna talk with your neighbors? this is an opportunity to do so. It's an opportunity to feel a reward that you helped someone for that week," Wellons says.
Sofia Valenzuela coordinates volunteers for EPFH and says she's watched true friendships blossom. "We put music on, and do competitions. I've seen people who volunteer here not knowing anyone, and after a couple days they begin to be friends and teammates, and it's a really good opportunity."
To volunteer to help El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, click here.
