Blog

Dive into the stories that make up our community’s history, from recipes to annual reports, volunteer stories, and much more.

Volunteer Spotlight, Friends of the Food Bank Rainier Valley Food Bank Volunteer Spotlight, Friends of the Food Bank Rainier Valley Food Bank

Boy Meets Food Bank

Hao first came to RVFB when his grandmother, Chi Lai, told his mother that he should volunteer to practice his English. Chi Lai and her husband came to the US as refugees when the South Vietnam Government collapsed. In 2014, Hao, Vy and their mother emigrated from Vietnam to join their father and grandparents in Seattle.

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Running all the way to the Food Bank

Shelly started volunteering at the food bank in early 2015. She came in once a week to help out with data entry, and always had a friendly story to tell. Shelly is new to running but she decided this year to run the Seattle Half Marathon and raise money for the Rainier Valley Food Bank. Running this distance and fundraising are two things she has never done before. By her own admission, it makes her nervous but she is determined to succeed!

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Volunteer of the Month: Sally Teodoro

Sally Teodoro, originally from Manila, Philippines, volunteers weekly as a line host, coordinating our waiting process and greeting folks as they enter to receive food. She knows just how to keep our waiting area organized and in order with kindness and humor!

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June Volunteer of the Month

This month we would like to highlight one of our interns from Seattle Central College: Jesse Rowher! Jesse has been interning at Rainier Valley Food Bank for the last 9 months, and has made a tremendous impact in improving our training methods for new volunteers, solidifying roles on distribution days, creating an express bag system, and integrating Kaizen into our distribution day operations to improve our efficiency. Moreover, he has seamlessly integrated himself into our community, and is a joy to watch interact with our food guests. Thank you, Jesse, for being awesome.

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April Volunteer of the Month

This month we would like to highlight Willieetta Smith! Willie first came to RVFB 11 months ago and has been gracing us with her presence ever since. The kindness and patience that she brings on distribution days truly help create a hospitable environment for every guest that she greets. We appreciate how Willie is always optimistic, and always willing to help where needed. Thanks Willie, for sharing your beautiful smile with all of us!

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March Volunteer of the Month!

Meet Lou! Lou has been volunteering at RVFB for 2 years. His humble and positive nature embodies the environment we are trying to create at the food bank. And for the last few weeks he has been transforming the back wall of our distribution room into an artistic masterpiece! With some chalk and a black wall, he has inserted a vibrant country landscape into our food bank.

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Volunteer Spotlight: Victoria

Victoria is currently an intern with Lettuce Link, a program of Solid Ground! She volunteers with RVFB every Wednesday and talks to our clients about the Seattle Community Farm work-trade program and free cooking classes. On top of that, she has been super helpful as a Cantonese translator!

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Volunteer Spotlight, Friends of the Food Bank Rainier Valley Food Bank Volunteer Spotlight, Friends of the Food Bank Rainier Valley Food Bank

Volunteer Spotlight: Kathy

Meet Kathy! This amazing lady has been with us for over 15 years! Kathy does everything from stocking our shelves to organizing our home delivery program. She literally does everthing! Kathy’s personal quirk? She was once a professional dart player. She’s definitely a Jill of all trades and we’re so lucky to have her!

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Volunteer Spotlight: Ashley

Our Friday Volunteer Spotlight today is Ashley! Ashley is a native Seattleite and her favorite color is purple. She says she volunteers because the “people here are friendly and nice to get along with.” We couldn’t agree with her more! Thank you Ashley, and all our volunteers for everything you do!

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Volunteer Spotlight, Friends of the Food Bank Rainier Valley Food Bank Volunteer Spotlight, Friends of the Food Bank Rainier Valley Food Bank

Volunteer Spotlight: Sarunya

Sarunya is this week’s volunteer spotlight! She typically works at the front door & check in. She started volunteering with us when one day she drove past and noticed a long line and decided she wanted to help. Though she currently lives in Kirkland, as a former Columbia City resident Sarunya loves engaging with the community & getting to know the regular volunteers. What keeps her coming back? She loves the clients! Thank you Sarunya, and all our volunteers, for giving your time & your caring to your neighbors.

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