Just as the Sequim Food Bank depends on donations, it also relies on volunteers. The following is a Sequim Gazette interview with Kathy Joyner, captain of Team Moose, a group of volunteers for the Sequim Food Bank.

Why was Team Moose formed?

“To fill a need. I volunteer at the food bank on Fridays. They made an announcement about the start-up of a project called the ‘Full Pantry’ and asked for volunteers to participate. I volunteered, asked some friends if they wanted to do it, and Team Moose was formed!

There are 11 members on the team. The team is made up of people in my neighborhood and a Bible study that I belong to.”

When was the team formed?

“I think it started in May.”

What does Team Moose do?

“On a monthly basis, I give them a bag and a shopping list. They fill the bag with food. I pick the filled bag up and deliver it to the food bank and give them another bag and shopping list for the following month.”

What is the combined number of volunteer hours per week?

“I think they all just buy the items off the list when they go grocery shopping. Full Pantry is a completely separate project from actually going to the food bank and putting in time volunteering there.”

Why did you agree to be team captain?

“Why not? The need was there. I worked for the City of Kirkland as risk manager and retired in June of 2019. We moved to Sequim in October of 2019. That really isn’t relevant, but I have always thought retirement can’t be all about me! I like helping people, so volunteering at the food bank fills that need.”

How long will Team Moose exist?

“As long as (the) Full Pantry project exists!”

What have you observed at the Sequim Food Bank in terms of the services and the need within the community?

“The Sequim Food Bank fulfills a great need in our town. Food is a basic need to survival and they provide it. They are always looking at ways to improve what we do to make it easier for the many people that come to the food bank. They also offer information to the people about other resources that might be helpful to the clients. They even offer decorated birthday cakes to people for special occasions.

“When the van pulls up and one of the employees gives the little birthday boy a cake and you hear his squeal of delight when he sees it, you can’t help but get a big smile on your face. I am proud to be a volunteer for this organization!”

__________

For information on how to help the Sequim Food Bank with its mission, visit sequimfoodbank.org.