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! Here are Shelly’s thoughts on why this is so important to her.
Hi my name is Shelaine Wax, I usually go by Shelly. I’m getting prepared to run my first half marathon before the end of the year. YIKES!! My purpose for achieving this goal is to continue establishing personal growth, confidence, and pride in completing something so monumental.
The other reason I’m running is for Rainier Valley Food Bank. Volunteering and witnessing the difference this non-profit makes in people’s lives is awesome to say the least. It’s a privilege and honor to do what I’m doing, simply because I care about what they do for families and individuals. Having somewhere to turn for food represents looking out for others in their time of need. What a blessing. This means a lot to me because I have been in the same situation several times in my life. I’m thankful that my needs were met, no questions asked. The gratification on both sides is humbling.
There are so many stereotypes when it comes to certain services. Poverty, addiction, displacement, mental and/or criminal behavior are the basis of judgment by a lot of people who don’t know what it’s like to be in that predicament. In reality, a lot of people who turn to social services have jobs, are unemployed, single parents, couples, students, elderly/disabled, and veterans. It’s too bad that you can be criticized because you are not be able to make ends meet. We live in a fortunate country where no one should go HUNGRY.
As the saying goes, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” So is food. I’m asking you for your donation to help out a worthy cause, so we can ensure there will be food on someone’s table. Thank you! – Shelly Wax
To support Shelly and the Rainier Valley Food Bank check out her Crowdrise page. The Rainier Valley Food Bank will also be volunteering at water station #10 during the event to cheer on our runners and pass out water. Contact Miguel@rvfb.org to sign up.