TYLER -- The UT Tyler softball team spent a day at the East Texas Food Bank this past weekend, spending valuable time with an important organization that helps feed thousands of families across the East Texas area.

The team spent time sorting over 26,000 pounds of food, which equates to over 20,300 meals that will help those in need.  

Also, the time given to the Food Bank was worth nearly $1800, funds that now can be used in other areas the non-profit organization may need.

Tim Butler, Volunteer Coordinator at the food bank says that the organization only employs 50 staff members, making the time volunteers give, vital in the work they do. 

Since 1988, the East Texas Food Bank, a 501-nonprofit organization, has provided food to over 200 partner agencies, in an effort to feed children, the working poor and seniors throughout 26 counties in East Texas. A member of Feeding America, The East Texas Food Bank is one of four food banks that serves the Gulf Coast Region who are pre-staged with food products from Feeding America, to respond to disasters.