Earlier this September, we gathered at our permanent North County warehouse in Vista for our annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, an evening dedicated to honoring the people who power the Food Bank’s mission every day.
The evening brought together volunteers from across San Diego County, some who have served for decades and some who joined within the past year, for an evening of gratitude, storytelling, and well-earned recognition.
“Tonight is one of my favorite events of the year because it’s dedicated to the people who make our mission possible,” said CEO Casey Castillo. “And that’s all of you.”
A Year of Remarkable Impact
This past year, 16,142 volunteers contributed nearly 120,000 hours of service, a 12% increase over the previous year and the equivalent of 57 full-time team members. Together, volunteers filled more than 629 service opportunities across San Diego County, from Miramar and Vista to National City, Chula Vista, Escondido, and beyond.
That time translated into real impact. Volunteers packed more than 181,000 Senior Food Program boxes, packed 67,000 Emergency Food Assistance Program bags, and sorted more than 695,000 pounds of food drive donations. In Vista alone, they supported more than 53,000 Client Choice Pantry appointments and assembled more than 155,000 Food 4 Kids Backpack Program packages.
Recognizing This Year’s Award Winners
While every volunteer’s contribution matters, the evening also honored a group of individuals and groups whose service went above and beyond this past year.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:
This year’s Volunteer of the Year, Gary Cowell, joined the Food Bank just over a year ago and has since become a familiar and trusted presence at our Miramar warehouse. Drawing on his career designing nuclear reactors for Navy submarines, Gary brings a unique combination of ingenuity, problem-solving, and generosity to his volunteer service. His contributions have helped make the Vista facility safer and more efficient, including improvements such as diaper racking and automated loading dock doors that benefit both volunteers and staff. Beyond his technical expertise, Gary is known for his kindness, humility, and willingness to find ways to make a difference. Through his time, talents, and treasure, he has become an invaluable part of the Food Bank family and a deserving recipient of this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award.
Board Chair Sandy Kerl also addressed volunteers during the evening, reflecting on the role they play in bringing the Food Bank’s mission to life. “None of that matters without people willing to put that mission into action,” Sandy said. “That’s where you come in.”
Thank you to every volunteer who joined us this year, and to everyone who continues to show up, shift after shift, for our neighbors across San Diego County. Browse photos from the evening to see the celebration for yourself, and if this kind of night sounds like something you’d like to be part of, explore volunteer opportunities across San Diego County.
