In celebration of Volunteer Recognition Day on April 20, AIO Food & Energy Assistance (AIO) wants to acknowledge and thank the over 350 volunteers who dedicate over 30,000 hours of their time during the past 12 months.

“After a long and satisfying career in New York City construction I am able to bring my experience and knowledge to help my neighbors and my community in my adopted home. Volunteering at AIO gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Sometimes I feel I get more out of it than the recipients of my efforts.” David Feldman, Maine’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year

AIO volunteers staff the market, pick up and deliver food, sort, organize and put away, stock shelves, assemble and pack, grow over 300 pounds of nutritious foods in our garden, spend hours on the phones with energy and fuel providers, and restock diapers for families with children.

Many other volunteers help with special projects including, stuffing envelopes and sending out letters, packing holiday boxes for Thanksgiving, or organizing food that comes in during our Fill the Strand fundraisers. Volunteers are the heart of AIO and exemplify service and community care in everything they do. Up until 5 years ago, AIO was a fully volunteer-run organization, and that's still very much true today. AIO serves more than 2,500 people a week and would not be able to accomplish this without the passion, energy, time, and generosity of our volunteers - some who have been with us for 20-plus years and others who have just started last week. 

“As a former AIO volunteer, and now responsible for our volunteers, I am humbled by the individuals I have the privilege to work with each day and the difference that they make. Thank you!" - Ariel "Ari" Valdes, AIO Volunteer Coordinator and Administrative Director. 

If you're interested in joining our team of volunteers, please visit https://www.aiofoodpantry.org/volunteer or call Ari at 207-596-1043 x101 or email ariel@aiofoodpantry.org. 

About AIO Food and Energy Assistance
Now in our 36th year, AIO Food and Energy Assistance provides nutritious food and heating assistance to Knox County families without judgement, always with compassion. Funding and access to AIO’s programs are more critical than ever as food insecurity in Knox County is projected to continue to increase. Knox County currently has the 4th highest food insecurity rate in the state. During the past year, AIO has supported over 2,100 unique households, which is more than 12% of Knox County. AIO has distributed more than 100,000 meals and snacks to students through our weekend meals program. AIO’s Energy Assistance Program helps households with heating assistance or electrical disconnection prevention. AIO provides a direct path for donors to assist our community by putting your donation to work immediately.