Giving Back: Fueling Fulfillment and Fighting Food Insecurity

Resources

Resources & Recommendations

Books

• "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs" - Referenced as a fundamental concept where food, clothing, and shelter are imperative for human sustenance.

Organizations & Institutions

• Habitat for Humanity Austin - A non-profit organization that builds homes for families in need.
• Maine Needs - A group that provides clothing for people in need, including those recovering from addiction.
• Project GiveBack - A non-profit organization that holds one of the largest annual Thanksgiving food distributions in the Mid-Atlantic region, expanding to other cities.
• TCBA - A local accounting firm where the idea for Project GiveBack originated among co-workers.
• Girl Scouts - An organization whose members volunteered for Project GiveBack.
• Jack and Jill National Harbor - An organization whose members volunteered for Project GiveBack.
• University of the District of Columbia - The location where hundreds of volunteers packed food boxes for Project GiveBack.

People Mentioned

• Gerard Vanderwerken - A 76-year-old immigrant who volunteers with Habitat for Humanity Austin, sharing his personal motivation to give back.
• Lee Cooper - A volunteer at Maine Needs who has been sober for 33 years and helps pack clothes for people in need.
• James and Hillary Cornwell - A married couple who have volunteered as medieval reenactors in middle school classrooms for 35 years.
• Jake Sale - A professional usher at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House who nominated the volunteer ushers he works with.
• Sandra Hicks - Alan Smith Hicks' mother, who was legally blind and dedicated almost 50 years to volunteerism, activism, advocacy, community education, and social justice in Manchester, New Hampshire.
• Ransom Miller - The founder and chair of the non-profit Project GiveBack, who discussed its origins and growth.
• Mitty Bardelli - A long-time volunteer with Project GiveBack (over 20 years) who highlighted the increased need during the government shutdown.
• Jumier Ferreira - A college student at the Naval Academy who volunteered with Project GiveBack to help less fortunate individuals.
• Harrison Miller - Ransom Miller's 11-year-old son, whose question about helping more families motivated Project GiveBack to increase its reach.
• David French (New York Times columnist) - Mentioned for his urging to create unity through resistance and his statements on kindness and virtue in challenging times.
• Ira Glass (This American Life) - Host of the podcast "This American Life."
• Jason Reynolds (Author) - Mentioned for his conversation on the "Wildcard" podcast, which was named one of the top 10 podcast episodes of 2025 by Apple Podcasts.
• Jesse Thorn - Host of "Bullseye," who conducted 25 interviews back-to-back.
• Patton Oswalt - Comedian interviewed on "Bullseye."
• Rob Corddry - Actor interviewed on "Bullseye."
• Cameron Esposito - Comedian interviewed on "Bullseye."

Websites & Online Resources

• NPR.org/heretohelp - A section on the NPR website featuring stories about service, community, and giving back.
• NPR App - An application where listeners can watch or listen to the "Wildcard" conversation with Jason Reynolds.
• YouTube at NPR Wildcard - A YouTube channel where the "Wildcard" conversation with Jason Reynolds can be watched.
• MaximumFun.org - An online platform where "Bullseye" can be found.

Other Resources

• "Here to Help" - An NPR series featuring stories of service and community.
• "Ye Gods with Scott Carter" - A podcast where New York Times columnist David French was interviewed.
• "This American Life" - A radio show and podcast that tells stories with surprising situations.
• "Wildcard" - A podcast featuring a conversation with author Jason Reynolds.
• "Bullseye" - A podcast that features interviews, including with Patton Oswalt, Rob Corddry, and Cameron Esposito.