1 Down 3 To Go

The first project is now complete! I had a really good time coming up with ideas to help increase the donations of food and helping to implement plans and food drives to help make the Metro State Food Bank an even better organization. Working as one big group was definitely a learning experience! Working as one team allowed me to analyze everyone's strengths and weaknesses instead of just a few people that would have been on my separate team. We definitely had our difficult times, but I always tried to stay focus and keep in mind that we are " One Team One Mission"!

"D" Day

Today is January 30, 2009 which translates into "D" Day for project #1. I am so excited, but nervous all at the same time. Anyone else ever had that feeling? :( This food bank experience has been quite an unexpected experience, but a good one. This project has taught me that even though something may seem small or simple that is not always the case. Food bank's have a lot more to accomplish on a day to day basis, not to mention hourly basis, if they want to truely succeed and grow to be a large organization. I learned from the lovely Olive at The Food Bank of the Rockies that things like keeping a record of how much product comes into the food bank and actually how much leaves the food bank is essential. This doesn't just mean food though, it also means that the amount that is thrown away including trash has to be accounted for in order for the #'s to come out correctly, if not your costs will always be off. These types of tasks take a lot of man power and time. I see why they need volunteers now! They can't do it all themselves! I sure wouldn't want to, it's a lot of work!!! Despite all the running around and lifting heavy items (I sure did get my workout on!) it was a fun experience and I met a lot of really great people. Thank you to everyone involved in this project for allowing me to have this opportunity.

Apprentice Challenge Kickoff

Yesterday, January 16, 2009 was the 2nd annual Apprentice Challenge @Metro. State kickoff event! The apprentice team got to meet and greet with the sponsors of the apprentice challenge, as well as get to know some alumni and directors. Not to mention we got to share this occassion with our mentors. I didn't actually realize exactly how many individuals put their time and investments into the challenge. It really made me feel special! I greatly appreciated all of the time and effort all the participants put into making this a wonderful night for me, as well as all of the other team members. Thank you to all!

Food Bank of the Rockies

On January 15, 2009 I volunteered at the Food Bank of the Rockies. This experience was a lot different than what I expected. I thought it was going to be a lot of standing around and waiting for people to come by and get a plate of food. On the contrary, we were very busy and when I say we I mean WE! Everyone had something to do at all times. The volunteers got their instructions and then we were on a mission! This food bank was not focused on individual people, but on agencies who order in bulk. Due to this factor, I got to extend my help in a big warehouse. They had everything from cereal to macaroni, from water to gatorade, and refrigerated and freezered items. The kind of work that I had to do with pallets and dolleys made me have a whole new apprecation for the work that is done on an everyday basis by the employees.