Some Foodbank volunteers are so hands-on and ingrained in the organization’s work that you may think they’re staff members! Meet Kristen. She was a Saturday volunteer for a few years before her relationship with the organization significantly evolved.
After losing her husband Scott of 17 years at age 42, Kristen was at a crossroads. She was thankful for the time she had spent loving her best friend but unclear on how to move forward.
“There were two major events in a short timeframe that served as a catalyst for me figuring out what I was going to do with my life,” she said.
After Scott died in fall 2019 and then COVID-19 upended the world in 2020, Kristen retired at age 44. “It was a time of tremendous grief, but also tremendous gratitude for the life I had with him. Going forward, I could do whatever my heart desired.”
Her heart led her to further her involvement with the Foodbank. The pandemic sent thousands of people to food banks, many for the very first time. Seeing the long lines of families waiting for groceries at distributions, Kristen decided she could do more than volunteer. She had the financial capacity to support the Foodbank in new ways. She became a member of the Sustainer Circle, making monthly contributions, and supported the organization's capital campaign.
During the COVID quarantine, Kristen did a lot of reading, and came upon a Buddhist principle that resonated with her: If you can alleviate someone’s suffering, then do it. “So now I look for opportunities where I can help alleviate or ease the suffering of others — that’s where I choose to spend my time and money.”
Living this principle to the fullest, in addition to financial support, Kristen spent 2.5 years driving a Foodbank vehicle weekly to pick up donated food items and deliver them directly to meal sites. She has since transitioned to a home delivery driver, delivering groceries to people’s homes twice per month, in addition to volunteering on Saturdays. And with the opening of the new Venarge Family Food Pantry & Resource Center she also helps restock the pantry when needed.
Through her volunteerism, Kristen has developed many meaningful friendships with other volunteers who now serve as her support system.
“I may not meet every person who benefits from the time or financial support I give, but that’s not the point. Somewhere out there someone is having a better day and that’s what matters.”
We are so fortunate and grateful for all the ways in which Kristen supports the Foodbank and cares for our neighbors experiencing hunger.