On February 21, San Jose Sharks front office staff gathered at Alum Rock’s Eastside Neighborhood Center for an afternoon of service benefiting clients of Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen.

Loaves & Fishes, a 2012-13 Sharks Foundation grant recipient, provides nutritious meals to in-need community members at no cost. With over 400 people served daily, the organization relies heavily on volunteers, who donate 20,000 hours of work annually, to help run their busy meal program.

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On this afternoon, Sharks staff had the opportunity to partake in every aspect of the meal process. Shortly after arriving, employees were busy chopping fresh vegetables for salads, whisking hundreds of eggs and setting dozens of tables. Upon the clients’ arrival, the focus shifted to serving food, refilling drinks and conversing with clients. Sharks mascot S.J. Sharkie was also on hand help dole out meals and further energize the already buzzing room.

Amidst a comfortable, family atmosphere, approximately 130 community members were provided with tasty and hearty dinners.

“For the Sharks Foundation to not only give us grant money, but to also bring volunteers enthusiastic to directly engage with community members and see the direct impact of their generosity, is unique and indicative of the generous spirit that is instilled throughout the entire Sharks organization,” commented Loaves & Fishes Volunteer Coordinator, Vina Nguyen.

“We are incredibly honored to partner with such an amazing organization and look forward to more opportunities for Sharks volunteers to come out and join us in the kitchen,” Nguyen continued.

This was the Sharks third “Community Day” of the 2012-13 season. Previous volunteer outings benefited Sacred Heart Community Service, Second Harvest Food Bank and InnVision Shelter Network.

For more information about volunteering at Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen visit www.loavesfishes.org