“Volunteer work is an essential part of a functioning society.”
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for a local community – volunteer work is not just an item on a résumé or a college application – it’s an essential part of a functioning society.
A world without poverty. One person can’t solve hunger, but together, we can make a real difference in the lives of so many people. In the United States, food waste is estimated at between 30–40% of the food supply.
Friends Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses its network of resources to reallocate food that would have gone to waste towards families and communities in need.
Volunteer work serves as the cornerstone that bridges charitable service with determined effort. It plays a crucial role in driving social impact, connecting individuals with causes larger than themselves. By committing time and energy to helping others, volunteers contribute to the well-being of their communities and the success of charitable organizations. This effort, though often overlooked, is essential to making a lasting difference.
While volunteers typically don’t receive financial compensation for their work, the rewards they reap extend far beyond monetary gain. The act of giving back provides a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. Knowing that their efforts are contributing to a positive change can be profoundly rewarding. Volunteers often experience personal growth, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others and developing a greater empathy for diverse populations.
Volunteering also offers an opportunity for individuals to expand their horizons and build valuable life skills. Whether through hands-on work, leadership roles, or problem-solving, volunteers can acquire new abilities that translate into both personal and professional success. Moreover, working closely with others on community projects fosters collaboration, resilience, and adaptability, traits that are highly valued in any field.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked benefits of volunteering is the network it helps individuals build. Through their service, volunteers connect with like-minded people, professionals, and organizations that share their values and goals. These connections can serve as a valuable resource when pursuing a meaningful career, offering guidance, mentorship, and potential job opportunities. In this way, volunteering not only benefits the community but also lays the groundwork for future success.
We Are
The administrative board of Friends Collective oversees governance, strategic planning, and resource allocation to ensure the nonprofit’s mission is effectively fulfilled.
‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ — M. Gandhi
Daily people come to my office in pain, but knowing that at the end of a visit I’ve improved someone’s quality of life makes my day.
‘The ones crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do’ — S. Jobs
Medical missions are my passion. It not only meets a basic need; it allows me to witness God’s goodness on a very personal basis.
‘If you want to change the world, start with the next person who comes to you in need’. — B.D. Schiers
Daily I strive to be present in my interactions. Sometimes giving someone 10 minutes of undisturbed attention can make a lifetime of difference.
of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides leadership, oversight, and financial stewardship, guiding the nonprofit’s vision and ensuring accountability in achieving its goals.
Neil Albert
Albert & Associates
Queenie Plater
QCP Consulting, LLC
Armand Dávila
Croix Consulting Firm, LLC
Karen Hayes
Marketing Consultant
Patricia Holland
U.S. Congress (retired)
Oral John, Esq.
Attorney
Linwood Jolly
Platinum Access, Inc.
Diane Wallace-Booker
U.S. Dream Academy
Giving is an attitude. It is not dependent on the amount of money in your bank account. It’s a heart issue.” – John Di Lemme
We strive to use 95% of all donations for community needs and support. This ensures funds donated are going to the people that need it the most.
We welcome people from all walks of life. As a friend of Friends Collective you will be able to support our cause and assist with funding our organization, recruiting volunteers, sponsoring and helping to staff donor events, securing speaking engagements, and more.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please click the button below to sign up.
So often, people think that when you end up in a situation like mine, you kind of deserved it or you did something wrong to end up here. I’m so glad that the Friends Collective people are not like that because while I was going through a very dark time, they were a bright light that provided me with the necessary resources to survive the winter.
They didn’t ask anything of me but my helping hands. I was honored to be able to participate in Friends Collective’s coat drive to provide warm clothing to those in need.