Without the help of volunteers, it would not be possible for EFN to distribute more than 1 million pounds of food each month. This month, we wanted to share about someone who embodies what it means to be an EFN ambassador. Whether she’s sharing about our work with friends or helping out at the Repack project, Marilyn Thompson works tirelessly to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food.
How long have you been connected to EFN and what got you interested in volunteering?
My church has been involved in the Hunger Walk for many years, going back to when it was the Crop Walk. So I don’t know, maybe 15 years. I am a fairly recent retiree, and post-retirement, I wanted to find some meaningful ways and places to volunteer my time. I was familiar with Emergency Food Network and I saw a newsletter article saying they were looking for volunteers to serve on the Ambassador Board. I reached out to Claire and applied to be a member, and it has been a wonderful experience. I love being an EFN Ambassador.
Beyond your work on the Ambassador Board, what other volunteer work have you done for EFN?
Happily, I’ve had a couple of different things that I’ve worked on, so a little bit of variety. I have really enjoyed being able to come in 2-3 times a month and help the Development Team, in addition to doing Repacks and [serving on] the Ambassador Board.
The most recent thing I did was call the recipients of the senior monthly home delivery box to make sure that the information EFN has for them—address and any special dietary restrictions—is up to date. That was a list of more than 100 seniors who receive the monthly delivery boxes, and that was a really rewarding task. The conversations I had with the seniors were really, really touching. All of the people with whom I spoke were so appreciative of the food that they received.
What do you like most about volunteering with EFN?
I really enjoy volunteering for EFN because I am so impressed with the organization. I think the staff is terrific, with so much talent and genuine investment in the work that this organization is doing. I have the sense that everyone is here because they want to be here.
I think the most successful nonprofit organizations that work with volunteers know how to work with volunteers. They are organized with clear points of contact where people can get plugged in and easily access information about various volunteer opportunities. EFN is also really good about expressing gratitude and appreciation for the volunteers. I feel like my time is really well utilized when I come here. I feel really well supported, get the training I need to do the task at hand, and people are always available to answer any questions.
What other community activities are you involved in?
My other passion is being a member of the Mountaineers, which is a local outdoor club based in Seattle but also has a big branch in Tacoma. I am passionate about the outdoors and love to hike, cross-country ski, and backcountry ski. I spend a lot of time in the mountains, sometimes with my husband, and then other times leading trips for the Mountaineers. I have been doing that for more than 30 years.
What would you like to share with anyone considering becoming a volunteer?
The need is greater than ever, and the loss of funding at a time like this is just… incredible. This is really a time for people to step up—to really understand what’s going on here and understand how EFN and their partner food banks are serving so many people, and how this work is supported at every level: local, state, federal, by volunteers and hardworking staff. There are so many moving parts. I think it’s really a time for all of us to step up and do what we can.