Volunteer Spotlight: Tony Nguyen of Cupertino High School

Gifts come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Enter Tony Nguyen, a senior at Cupertino High School. He came to volunteer last summer and spent an average of 10 hours per week throughout the summer months helping in many capacities. Knowing a little bit about the Food Bank, Tony wanted to give back. He helped with spreadsheets, capturing data, creating forms, updating collaterals and more.

When school started, Tony wanted to increase his efforts. One of our goals at the Food Bank has been to encourage youth volunteers take on leadership roles - and in this area, Tony fit the bill. With very little guidance, Tony created the Teen Ambassador Pilot Program, where youth volunteers assist staff with volunteer registration at food sorts and help educate other volunteers on hunger issues in our community.

He created a work schedule, sourced the people he needed through his school, and enrolled ten volunteers! All this was accomplished within a 6-week period. Tony even placed his experience on Facebook.

Because of Tony's enthusiasm, leadership and talents, this program launched successfully. The Food Bank will use this service model to grow youth programs in the future.

Learn more about volunteering at the Food Bank:

Visit our website or contact Kristin Sulpizio, Director of Volunteer Services.