By Lisa Haynes
Fall 2020
The ability to clearly communicate with our shoppers is vital to helping them feel safe and valued. The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank welcomes people of all cultural backgrounds and often times, we come across folks who are unable to or have difficulty communicating in English. We are honored to have volunteers who help us communicate with these shoppers in their respective native languages.
Kate with her kids.
Kate learned about the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank through a local Facebook group. Being bilingual in English and Russian, she thought that volunteering as a translator would be a great opportunity to help Russian families in our community. Kate’s motivation was being a child of an immigrant family. She recalls the financial struggle and insecurity she and her family once faced: “I know how difficult language barriers can make new life in another country and I know that when I’m translating a sign or important information, the Russian speaking patrons feel appreciated. Food insecurity is devastating, and immigrant and refugee families face additional struggles. I am happy to be part of something that makes these challenges even a little bit easier.” When she’s not looking after her children or translating documents, Kate enjoys spending time with her family, reading, cooking, travelling, and has discovered painting as a quarantine hobby.
Lisette with her pup.
Lissette can often be found chatting with shoppers in Spanish and checking them in at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. In addition to working as a check-in volunteer, she also translates flyers and posters for our Spanish-speaking clients. She shares, “What I love most about volunteering at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank is the interaction with our clients, especially being able to communicate in Spanish with our Hispanic community.” Lissette also volunteers with the Issaquah School District and Congregations for the Homeless, and in her spare time, she enjoys running, hiking, watching her daughters play soccer, playing board games, and watching movies with her family.
Dorothy with her foster kittens.
Dorothy wanted to give back to the community and discovered the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank as an avenue to utilize her bilingual skills. She says, “It has been an amazing and fulfilling experience, and I’ve met so many loving and caring people.” Dorothy plays a vital role in communicating our service changes, health updates, and posters with our Chinese community. This has been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It means a lot to me to be a part of this effort. I feel that I can make a difference.” Dorothy also volunteers at the Seattle Humane Society and Burien C.A.R.E.S.. Prior to the pandemic, Dorothy volunteered in our grocery store during evening shopping hours and with our Groceries to Go program, packing food for clients who are unable come to shop on their own, to which she shared that “our goal is to make our clients happy when they receive their groceries.” In her spare time, Dorothy likes to try new restaurants, foster kittens, and watch horror movies wrapped in a fuzzy blanket while her husband hands her snacks.
The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank prioritizes providing a gracious space and ensuring that all shoppers have a comfortable, dignified experience in the food bank. Our volunteer translators (who also do so much more!) are a crucial part of making that happen.