Volunteer Spotlight: Jim

August 25, 2025

The Heart Behind the Helping Hands

Every Thursday morning, with the quiet rhythm of someone who’s done it for years, Jim pulls on his gloves and gets to work—this time, bagging corn for a distribution to some of our rural neighbors.

For the past 15 years, Jim has been a steady presence at the Food Bank, volunteering his time and lending his heart to a mission that he initially only read about.

“I had read about the good work the Food Bank does,” he said. And after he retired, he was actively “looking for more social contacts.”

He has supported the Food Bank’s mission in many ways, and since his start, Jim has done a little bit of everything. He’s packed bags and sorted donations, checked expiration dates, delivered backpacks for the summer Backpack Program and even helped at Lincoln Fresh distributions. He still recalls how surprised he was during his first few summers of volunteering.

“I’ve been shocked by how much of it [hidden poverty] there is right here in Lincoln,” he said. “I’m old enough to know exactly what life was like before food banks and other organizations like this existed—and it meant dire circumstances for many. I’ve seen firsthand how much help is needed, and how grateful people are who are receiving it.”

Volunteering, for Jim, is about more than giving back—it’s about connection. He speaks warmly about the friendships he’s formed through the Food Bank and the deep sense of satisfaction he feels when helping others.

Peanut Butter, Puzzles, and Purpose

In between shifts, you’ll find Jim immersed in poetry or fiction, or perhaps finishing a jigsaw puzzle—a hobby he picked up during the pandemic. Jim admits to being completely ‘out of the loop’ regarding the current music scene, but his favorite vocal musician would have to be James Taylor, and he also enjoys listening to John Batiste play the piano. His favorite movie? To Kill a Mockingbird. His favorite food? “Probably ice cream,” he says, “though I’ve eaten a peanut butter and honey sandwich nearly every day for around 70 years!”

Ask him to name his favorite color, and he’ll tell you: “Sky blue.”

But ask him for a favorite memory, and although he may have a lot —he doesn’t hesitate.

“The night my wife and I shared our first kiss,” he said. “We both still laugh about how unbelievably inept at it I was. I got better.”

These days, Jim also finds joy in spreading cheer in unexpected places—like giving heartfelt compliments at the grocery store.

Whether he’s handing out meals or spreading cheer, Jim’s impact is felt far and wide. We are delighted that Jim has chosen to share his time and energy with us, and we appreciate his passion and dedication to our mission of alleviating hunger in Southeast Nebraska.

At the Food Bank of Lincoln, we are eternally grateful for volunteers like Jim—people who give generously of their time, energy and spirit. They are the heartbeat of our mission.

For those looking to make a difference, Jim’s story is a reminder: there’s no wrong way to help—only a right time to start.