By Claire Lee
Spring 2021
Nate with his wife, Kris.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought upon many changes to the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, some revealing themselves to be silver linings amongst the hardships. One of the amazing things to come out of the pandemic include the many new volunteers that chose to give their time and leave the safety of their homes to make sure that people in our community are fed and clothed.
Nate Ahn had been a volunteer at his church for a while before coming to the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. He knew that he wanted to volunteer since his retirement back in 2016, but with the start of the pandemic came the end of his church’s volunteer activities. He first got connected to the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank through his wife, Kris. “My wife signed me up to volunteer at a joint donation event with Eastside Baby Corner in May 2020. My first experience was standing in pouring rain all day in the parking lot directing traffic. Fortunately, that did not deter me from trying it again,” reflects Nate about his first experience with the food bank. We share his sentiment; were WE fortunate that he stuck around!
Nate has done so much for the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank since he started volunteering, quickly becoming an essential team member. He’s worked both the indoor and outdoor food distribution shifts, and has helped with clothing bank events at Eastside Fire & Rescue along with other special program events, but it doesn’t stop there. “Nate comes in on weekends to fix and repair our building and equipment. […] He is a great process person and has made instructions and flow chart diagrams to help the check-in volunteers navigate the increasingly complex process,” shares Volunteer Manager, Lisa Haynes, “He’s so personable, gracious, and welcoming to shoppers, volunteers, and staff. He is a mentor to new volunteers and is happy to teach and lead.” Nate not only helps physically at the food bank but has also taken a role in the development side of the organization, working with our Database Administrator to assist with data entry and mailing projects. “I enjoy the variety and activity. I also appreciate the trust the staff has in me.” Nate says, “It’s all been very enjoyable; I don’t see it as challenging,” he continues, considering his many tasks.
Nate volunteers alongside his wife, Kris, who is also a regular volunteer at the food bank. In fact, his entire family helps and volunteers together on weekend food drives. “They are all fantastic!” Lisa exclaims. When asked about his favorite part of volunteering at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, Nate has two things at the top of his list: “Helping clients and my relationship with the staff and volunteers.”
Nate has proven himself to be a committed lead volunteer through his dedication and willingness to go above and beyond. When asked what it means to be a part of this effort, he remarks, “It means a lot to me; I am honored to have a chance to participate in this community. It is personally fulfilling to help others, to share all the social interactions and the opportunities.” He knows he’s appreciated from the way people treat him and through direct comments from clients, staff, and other volunteers.
Nate’s vision for the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank is a simple, yet strong statement – “to continue to serve the community.” Outside of volunteering, Nate is enjoying retired life; he loves spending time with family and friends, woodworking and other projects, and taking long walks.
We are so fortunate to have Nate and his family on our team. Lisa shares a final statement that sums up how all of us at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank feel – “We love him. It would have been a tougher year without him.”
Thank you for your dedication and transcending efforts towards our mission and the growth of the organization, Nate!