Building a Legacy of Service

Why Volunteer Erik Simonsen makes giving back at North Texas Food Bank a priority.

The days and times that Erik Simonsen volunteers with North Texas Food Bank may vary, but he rarely misses a month sorting and packing food for his neighbors facing hunger.

As a pilot with Southwest Airlines, Erik says his hours can change drastically from week to week, but he works hard to find a few days a month when he can volunteer.

“It can’t just be when it’s easy—it has to be a lifestyle,” he says. “You owe your community something back. It’s an essential part of being a citizen.”

Erik says he learned early from his mom’s example. She was often volunteering and looking for ways she could support those in need. As a father of three, he tried to emulate that example, volunteering with his kids whether at food distributions in McKinney or other organizations.

“If I don’t set that example, who will?” he says. “For the future to be better, I have to set the right example. Modeling is the most powerful tool we have to inspire people.”

Now that his children are grown, Erik says he was looking for somewhere he could be involved consistently and the opportunity to help ensure people have access to food was something that excited him.

Along with supporting the food bank’s mission, Erik says he’s enjoyed getting to know staff and other volunteers he sees regularly when he’s completing a shift. He’s taken part in everything from produce sorting to breaking down boxes.

“I’ve gotten a lot from my community, and I think that giving back time and money if you’re able to support those who have less really makes for a better, more enduring community,” he says.