As volunteers load supplies on Monday, it says a lot about the mission at River Bend Foodbank.
"The need is not just still out there," said Executive Director Tom Laughlin, 64. "It continues to grow."
Laughlin founded the effort in 1981. After a remarkable 33 years, he's retiring in January.
Michael Miller will become only the foodbank's second executive director on January 19.
"I'll miss the people at the pantry level," Laughlin said. "They're in the front lines."
River Bend provided 200,000 pounds of food that first year. This year, the total is up to some nine million pounds.
Laughlin orchestrated a major move to a much larger facility in Davenport in 2014.
"We can engage volunteers on a much greater level than before," he said.
The annual Student Hunger Drive is a great way to involve youngsters.
Teenagers from 17 high schools help to fill the food pantries over a 22-county area.
"It's just that spirit of camaraderie, support and passion for feeding the hungry," Laughlin said.
Tom's wife, Caren, worked side-by-side with him as marketing director for several years.
For the Laughlins, the River Bend Foodbank isn't just a place to work. It's a way to help the community.
Their backpack program is more important than ever. That's because some 1,600 area kids don't get enough to eat over the weekend.
Hunger issues affect one in five children in our area.
Each week, River Bend now serves some 16,000 clients at over 350 sites.
It's quite an achievement.
The mission will continue, thanks to the Laughlin legacy.
"A lot of folks, you're just one paycheck away from being hungry," he concluded.
For Tom and Caren Laughlin, a labor of love that sets a tremendous standard for community service.