Gratitude. That is what I’m reflecting on as I am closing out my final days at Care and Share Food Bank. When I was hired, I was asked to make a fine volunteer program better; to bring a cohesive connection between the work we do, business people, organizational leaders and community groups by means of relationship-building through community outreach; and provide more opportunities for people in need to access food assistance through SNAP benefits. What a privilege to be offered such impactful responsibilities! It has been humbling and rewarding work, to say the least. And, none of it would have happened without amazing teammates, colleagues, visionary leaders, friends, family and the most incredible volunteers in the region!

Care and Share is a special place. The first time I became involved with Care and Share was in 2012 when I came to coordinate volunteers and provide breaks for staff members in the midst of the Waldo Canyon fire. I was awed by the absolute passion and commitment the staff and volunteers demonstrated as they worked tirelessly to make sure the evacuees and first responders got what they needed, all while continuing to distribute food to those in need across the 52,000 square miles of our service area. From then on, I wanted to come back and be a part of the extraordinary spirit of this place. So when I saw my chance I jumped and have been inspired and grateful every day since.

Now I have an opportunity to work part-time to run a small business with my husband. I feel blessed to have the chance to support his dream and learn more about entrepreneurial endeavors. It’s exciting but also bittersweet. I believe that hunger is a problem that is truly solvable and that Care and Share can make that happen for the people of Southern Colorado. Who doesn’t want to be a part of that revolution? I will continue to volunteer and stay connected. I think I made a difference and I’m leaving things a little better than when I started, but I can’t say enough about what you all have done for me. I offer my most humble thanks for what you gave to me so generously, what you are doing to make our community a better place for all who live in it, and for joining us in our belief that no one should go hungry.