High school student Liza started volunteering with her parents at Rainier Valley Food Bank in the early stages of the pandemic. Little did she know she would start volunteering by herself and assist our guests as our organization transitioned to a new location and back to in-person shopping.  

A perfect fit for the fast-paced environment in the distribution center, Lavender is always quick to step in and lend a hand. From passing out fresh produce to making sure everything is running smoothly, she plays an important role in helping feed our community.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

Hey Casundra! Why do you volunteer at RVFB? “Rainier Valley is my community! We are so blessed with opportunity, it’s important give back.” Casundra’s personal quirk? “I love ALL people in this world!” We love you too, Casundra! Thanks for being a fabulous volunteer.

Felicia has been working in human & social services for more than 20 years! She also just hit her one year anniversary as a RVFB volunteer!

Meet Brook! “Food is life, health and peace on earth. Rainier Valley Food Bank is a pillar in my community and its a great opportunity to meet folks from all over the world!” Thanks Brook, we’re so happy to have you!

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!

Why does Zach volunteer? “I want to be sure other people can feel secure within their food situation. Food is our medicine and it’s ridiculous that anyone should have to worry about getting something so basic.” We totally agree Zach!

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!

Meet Lucky – he is our volunteer spotlight this week! Lucky lives in Rainier Valley (98118!!) and is a self proclaimed volunteer fanatic (and cool individual).

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.

Meet Marta – the first person in our Friday Volunteer Spotlight! Every Friday we will be introducing you to one of our awesome volunteers!