Gustavo received a Great Gifts of Gratitude award from Great Western Bank.

Local Hero: Gustavo

Gustavo has been volunteering __ Bidwell Riverside Center for _ 19 years. Things were _ for him when he arrived in Iowa from _. Then, a friend brought to Bidwell’s pantry and __ immediately fell in love _ our community and the he was able to help through us. When , he said he comes __ he feels welcome. Gustavo unemployed due to an of part of his in May of 2016, _ by diabetes. However, this not stop him from __ with his friends at __. He truly has become _ goodwill ambassador for our _, as he helps us week when the produce arrives. Gustavo helps us food, manage the parking , run produce and food items to cars, but _ importantly, he translates for who are coming to __ to receive food. He _ enjoys helping others, and __ love having him around.

Since we began tracking _ hours in 2017, is become clear that Gustavo been one of our _ consistent volunteers:
• 2017: 189 volunteer
• 2018: 415 volunteer
• 2019: 354 volunteer
• 2020: 203 volunteer (through 5/26/2020)

Since the COVID-19 pandemic , Gustavo has been a volunteer for Bidwell. He helped in the pantry 3-4 days each week, and _ March 4th – May 26__, has contributed 159 volunteer . He has provided a of support to our and our clients as __ navigate how to best those experiencing food insecurity __ central Iowa, and we _&;_ do this without him.

About the Bidwell Riverside _ Food & Clothing Pantry: 1893, Bidwell Riverside Center existed to help struggling meet their basic needs __ they can become self-sufficient ultimately, break the cycle __ poverty. The pantry is _ one-stop-shop for essential needs: __, baby food, clothing, toiletries, household goods. All of _, as well as food, __ available for free to _ who walks through the . Last year, Bidwell distributed 130,000 clothing items, 42,000 __, 3,700 units of baby __ or food, and 32,000 items. Access to food, , diapers, baby food, formula, , and household items is to those living in __, and the need is subsiding.

Bidwell is one of pantries that operate under Des Moines Area Religious __ (DMARC) umbrella and provides _ food supply meant to __ families for a three-day _. Clients can receive this - supply once per calendar . Emergency food is purchased __ Bidwell or provided through generous donations of area _ and can be accessed __ families every ten days.

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