For 55 years, Dr. Ed Belzer and his wife Phyllis have called Kansas City home, and they have made a point of giving back to the community.
The Belzers came to Kansas City in 1967 from Omaha, Nebraska, to begin Dr. Belzer’s pediatric practice. About a decade ago, the Belzers began volunteering for Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City. At first, the Belzers gave their time as JET Express drivers, taking older adults who no longer drove to the places they wanted to go. Later, they transferred over to help in the JFS Food Pantry, where they have been volunteering for the past six years.
“We volunteer twice a month and on holidays,” Phyllis Belzer said. “We deliver food to people who cannot get to the pantry.”
The Belzers appreciate that JFS has a variety of programs to help many people.
“A volunteer can choose any area they feel comfortable with and a great staff to work with,” Dr. Belzer said.
Vicki Johansen, JFS Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, said the Belzers are making a positive impact on the community.
“Ed and Phyllis Belzer volunteer to improve the lives of others, from picking up food pantry donations every week to making food deliveries to being a past JET Express Driver,” Johansen said. “We appreciate all they do and the positivity that they do it with.”
The Belzers said that every volunteer opportunity they participate in is memorable.
“New memories are made every week with the gratitude and thanks from the clients and the conversations with them,” Phyllis Belzer said.
“It is so worth the time and effort for a person to volunteer for JFS. It is instant gratification,” Dr. Belzer said.
Those interested in becoming a JFS volunteer have multiple opportunities to fit their time and talent. The JFS Volunteer Engagement Team can be reached at (913) 730-1410 or .
