“Why Don’t We Make It a Regular Thing?”
Volunteers Fred Langa of Malden and James (J.T.) Thomas of Newton came to GBFB via different routes, but it did not take long to find, through their work together on the shipping dock, both similarities and synergy. “We talked and said, ‘Why don’t we make it a regular thing, on Tuesdays and Thursdays?’,” J.T. remembers. And so, they have, for nearly five years.
“We’re the intermediary between the professional shippers on the fork trucks and pallet riders, and the agencies who are coming in smaller vehicles that can’t be loaded mechanically,” Fred explains. The pair focuses on hand loads, breaking down pallets and passing the food to others on the dock. It’s one of the most physical of volunteer roles at GBFB, and J.T. admits with a laugh that “…our sanity has been questioned a couple of times.” But he quickly adds, “It’s a genuine community, with good people. We enjoy our relationship with the GBFB team and the agency partners we have come to know over time. They’re family.”
“It’s a genuine community, with good people…They’re family.” —James (J.T.) Thomas
“It’s good exercise, while doing good,” Fred says. “It’s a win-win. Give it a try. Take a volunteer shift.”
Join Fred and J.T. and get involved.
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