Ed’s gift of fun

Ed Van Hemert can sum up his volunteer experience with Food Bank of Iowa in one word — fun!  

“I always have fun when I go volunteer,” says Ed. 

Of course, Ed also happens to get a lot done. He typically volunteers twice a week for 2 1/2 hours at a time. But while he’s at it, he manages to have a lot of fun with his fellow volunteers — especially when it means wearing “ugly” holiday sweaters to raise additional money for the food bank. 

“It’s the type of place where you can volunteer and you’re not by yourself,” he says.  

Though Ed is retired, both he and his wife, Martha, have given their time and funds in various ways for most of their adult lives — and continue to do so.  

“My wife and I are not wealthy,” Ed says. “We just sometimes donate what we do have. I feel needed. It’s just been part of me and my wife to give back.”  

This holiday season, we hope you’ll join Ed and our other incredible volunteers by giving what you can, too. In Ed’s words, giving time and money “just makes me feel so much better.”