If you’ve ever stepped into a repack session and felt the positive energy in the room, there’s a good chance Kay had something to do with it.
Kay has been volunteering with Emergency Food Network (EFN) for over 7 years, and her dedication is nothing short of inspiring. She says she enjoys volunteering because it keeps her busy—but we think it does so much more than that. Kay is a familiar and welcoming presence, showing up almost every day there’s an opportunity for individuals in our community to come together for repack.
For those who may not know, repack is where a little teamwork goes a long way. EFN purchases food in bulk, and volunteers—like Kay—help break it down into family-sized portions for distribution. This work is incredibly important. It helps stretch every dollar further, allowing EFN to turn just $1 into two meals. That’s the kind of impact that adds up quickly!
Depending on the day, repack might include sorting fresh produce like onions, apples, or potatoes from Feeding the Northwest, or organizing donated foods into bins. But if you ask Kay, she’ll tell you her favorites are rice, oats, and pasta. (Reliable, practical, and always in demand—just like her!)
Outside of EFN, Kay has a creative side that keeps her just as busy. She enjoys taking photos of herself and her friends and turning them into handmade holiday cards. And when we say she plans ahead, we mean it—Kay starts making those cards in August!
When she’s not crafting or volunteering, you might find her enjoying some of her favorite spots like Applebee’s, Starbucks, or Dutch Bros. A well-earned treat after a day of giving back.
We asked Kay what she would say to someone considering volunteering, and her advice was both practical and encouraging:
“If you are wanting to do this to complete your volunteer hours for high school, start early! If you are nervous, just come and do your best. Eileen and Tee are the best, they are really nice and friendly and will show you what to do.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Kay, thank you for your consistency, your kindness, and the joy you bring to EFN. You truly make a difference—one bag of rice (or oats, or pasta!) at a time.