Anita Sandelin has been volunteering at the Snohomish Community Food Bank for the past four years.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — As volunteerism dwindles, this 81-year-old man is a source of inspiration.
Anita Sandelin volunteers weekly at the Snohomish Community Food Bank. The number of volunteers nationwide has been steadily declining for decades.
At the Snohomish Community Food Bank, Anita Sandelin makes sure everyone in need has daily bread.
“We all know people need bread,” Sandelin said. “Everyone needs food.”
The food bank sees an increase in need almost every month.
Snohomish feeds between 800 and 1,000 people each week. It has increased by 15% in the last six months alone.
This place is kept alive by volunteers. Currently, the ranking has dropped by about 10.
“It can be a lot of work,” Sandelin said with a smile. “But it's worth it.”
Sandelin, 81, happily volunteers at the food bank every Monday, preparing for that week's food distribution.
A 40-year retired nurse has been doing this every week for the past four years.
“I was like, 'What am I going to do with my life?'” Sandelin said. “You have to do something for others.”
Sandelin serves as an inspiration to the community.
Her work is much-needed inspiration across the country.
Nationally, volunteer activity has been in decline for more than a decade. As needs continue to grow, that number continues to decline.
Volunteers are declining everywhere from fire departments to animal shelters.
In 2023, Washington's largest hunger relief agency, Northwest Harvest, reported a 75% drop in volunteers since the pandemic.
The idea is that high prices make people work more just to protect their own heads, leaving them with less time to help others.
Student loans are an obstacle.
Additionally, one of the largest groups of volunteers are young families.
Nowadays, people are waiting longer to get married and have children, and the pool of volunteers is even thinner.
Robin Rotondo, volunteer coordinator for the Snohomish Community Food Bank, said there are ways to volunteer if you have the will.
“If you're working, you're available on weekends and after hours,” Rotondo said. “We try to accommodate anyone who wants to volunteer here. Even if it's just an hour a week, we'll find you a spot. Anita is 81 years old! She's such an inspiration! ”
Sandelin encouraged her friends at Brookdale Assisted Living to help out if they can.
But even at 81, she understands that not everyone is as energetic and motivated as she is.
In her mind, if you have anything to give, you have so much more than most people.
“These people can't afford to go buy groceries, so they come here. They don't have to pay and I can help them,” Sandelin said. “How much better will it be?”