Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Aceto.
Kelli, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Audubon Peer to Peer Aid was initially started by Steve Radie and I soon after jumped in to help him with his idea to bridge a gap. Our initial plan was to be the bridge for people in need and the people that could help. If someone needed a couch, we would post asking for one and when someone would donate, we’d keep both ends anonymous. It was never our plan to be a food bank but soon after we started in 2019, the pandemic hit and the need for food spiked. Initially, we would post individual requests. For instance a family would reach out and then we would post looking for groceries for that family. Very quickly I realized we were going to have to start stocking up on staples because the requests for food kept coming in. We averaged a request or two a week, mostly for food but also for things like clothing, school supplies, home goods and things like that. Fast forward a few years and we’re averaging 10-15 requests a week. What started as two people trying to make a difference has morphed into a team of almost 30 volunteers. We service 25 towns in Camden County and our volunteers deliver directly to those making requests. We require no documentation to receive help and we work very anonymously. Our goal is simply to help as many people in need as we can. Audubon Peer to Peer Aid (APTPA) is a fully volunteer run, 501-c3 non-profit food bank. We are supported mostly by our community and crowdsourcing.
While Steve has stepped away from working with the pantry and I stepped into the role of running operations in 2023, the mission has stayed the same – connect those in need with those who can help.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our growth has been interesting to keep up with to say the least. We have had to add volunteers, change our methods of operations, create new fundraisers. Each year has come with new steps to streamline our processes while learning from the year before. No two years have been the same. Most challenging would have to be the COVID pandemic and the roadblock of SNAP benefits being cut last year. When people lose resources they start branching out to find new ways to make ends meet. We have never been busier than we were during the SNAP benefit freeze.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am the president and co-founder of Audubon Peer to Peer Aid. I grew up in Audubon and now own a home in town too. I have always taken pride in helping others and have always loved giving back to my community in any way that I can. I used to run food drives and Christmas toy drives as a child. When Steve asked me to join him on this journey, I was excited to help out. As a group, Audubon Peer to Peer Aid takes pride in connecting those in need with those that can help while taking the “shame” out of asking for help because we keep requesters and donors anonymous. We are different from other food banks in our area because we don’t require any proof of income or living situation, we just help. Unfortunately this takes us out of the race for many grants through government or private entities because we do not collect the documentation they require. Because of this we rely directly on our community and our social media following. What I’m most proud of is the APTPA team. I can only take the slightest bit of credit for the success that we have had and the rest goes to my team. I can’t tell them enough what a difference they’re making in so many people’s lives. These volunteers show up on their own time and they’re happy to do it. This team varies from ages 35-80, incudes men and women, full time workers and retirees. All different people with one common goal. I often call our group a well oiled machine and quite honestly I think that may be an understatement. There are so many moving parts in an organization like this one and it wouldn’t be an ounce of what it is now without each and every one of our volunteers and their dedication to making a difference in their communities.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We are always looking for community connections to gain a presence in the towns we serve. We always say “it takes a community” and we’re grateful to be a part of so many great communities in south jersey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.APTPA.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AudubonPTPA
