Meet Sony – “I feel like I belong here”
Lead volunteer Sony Yip uses a jack to move heavy sacks of potatoes to the area where volunteers will sort and bag them.
“It’s all about sharing love and fulfilling the need.”
Whether at home with her family or on a volunteer shift at the Food Bank’s Community Engagement Center (CEC), Sony, 63, is at home when she’s in community, helping spread love and joy.
After a 20-year career as a travel agent, Sony lost her job when her industry was hit hard by the effects of the pandemic. Sony deeply felt the loss of her career and “I had to learn how to repurpose myself.”
Her husband, Wladimir, had long been involved with community and volunteer work, which opened the door for Sony to easily follow suit, first through Oakland International High School and then through the Food Bank.
“I feel like I belong here,” she says of volunteering with the Food Bank.
Now, Sony can be spotted every week in the CEC. You may even recognize her as one of the Lead Volunteers helping guide others in the fun and impactful work to prepare food for our community. She says she values giving back to her community through her time and treasure.
“My eyes are open, and I know what issues exist in our community. I’m rooted in the reality of what’s happening in my community and many other urban environments.”
Because friends like you and Sony are willing to serve, the Food Bank can keep our shelves stocked and neighbors fed. Can we also count on you to join the Volunteer Challenge by making a gift that will be DOUBLED, up to $50,000?
When you give, you make an impact that reaches across the entire community.
Thank you for the incredible difference you make for children, adults, and seniors in Alameda County!
