After a year and a half of battling cancer, Norm Kelley knew one thing for certain: he needed to get out of the house.
“I wanted to be active again,” he shared. “I wanted to be around people.”
That desire led him to God's Pantry Food Bank, where staying busy evolved into something truly meaningful.
From Experience to Action
Before joining God's Pantry Food Bank, Norm volunteered with a backpack program in Richmond, helping students in need. Working in the warehouse gave him new insight: sorting food, moving products, and supporting the team's efforts every day.
“I’ve never done this part of volunteering before,” he said. “But it’s a great cause. Nobody should be hungry. There’s too much food out there for that.”
Norm’s belief in this mission shows in how he spends his time, often volunteering as much as he can and doing whatever is needed that day.
More Than Just Staying Busy
For Norm, volunteering is about more than filling time.
It's about connection, movement, and being part of something significant.
“Being physically active, the social interaction, it’s helped me personally,” he said. “And I hope I’m helping others.”
In many ways, volunteering has become part of his healing process, offering purpose, routine, and a sense of belonging after a difficult season.
Seeing the Impact Up Close
Which moment does Norm recommend most? Arriving early and seeing neighbors come through the pantry.
“You see how happy people are to get food,” he said. “Rolling those carts out—it makes them feel good. And that makes you feel good too.”
It’s a simple exchange, but a powerful one. It’s a reminder that the work happening behind the scenes has a real, immediate impact on families across Kentucky.
Norm says he “fell in love with this place the first day.” That feeling has kept him coming back, day after day, shift after shift.
When asked to sum up volunteering in three words, he replied without hesitation: Support. Interaction. Help.
Why It Matters
Volunteers like Norm are a vital part of how food moves through God’s Pantry Food Bank, helping sort, pack, and distribute resources so neighbors can access the food they need. And just as importantly, they bring something else with them: care, presence, and community.
For Norm, it’s simple: “Whatever I can do to help out.”
Get Involved
Whether you’re looking for a way to give back, meet new people, or simply stay active, there’s a place for you here. Sometimes, showing up doesn’t just make a difference for someone else; it changes something in you, too.
