Volunteer Spotlight - Kimberly Nolz
Kimberly is not your average volunteer. Between balancing a family with small children and a full course load at the University of Washington, Kimberly has become an irreplaceable volunteer at the Community Resource Center in Greenwood.
Kimberly began volunteering at the Greenwood Food Bank for a service project while attending junior college. This experience struck her passion and need to give back to the community in which she grew up.
“I grew up in this community and while my family didn’t utilize services like the Greenwood Food Bank, our situation wasn’t much different from those families who did. I see the needs of the families here aren’t that far off from those of my own growing up;” said Kim.
Kimberly has not been the typical food bank volunteer; she has been out in the community, spreading the word about the Food Bank and the needs in the community. As a volunteer, Kimberly worked on marketing and community outreach efforts that helped the Greenwood Food Bank and Community Resource Center become visible and well known in the Greenwood Community. Because of her efforts, the Greenwood Food Bank has partnered with local businesses such as the Green Bean Coffeehouse which highlighted the Food Bank as its charity of the month this past September.
“I feel like it’s my responsibility, having a family and the privilege of education, to give back to the community in any capacity possible. I want to use my education and experience to raise awareness and advocate for those in need.”
“Many of the volunteers utilize the services themselves. I saw the need and opportunity to apply my education and resources for the greater good and I encourage others to do the same. Our community needs volunteers to step up and share their skills, networks and resources to not only do direct service, but to help organizations like Volunteers of America increase their capacity to serve those in need.”