The heartbeat of Helping Hands: volunteers make a difference in Skagit County
By Rachel Friderich, Serve Washington Communications
SEDRO-WOOLLEY-Across six different locations in Skagit County, teams of Helping Hands Food Bank volunteers help fight food insecurity.
Some are seniors who have spent decades giving back to their community. Others are kids just learning what it means to serve. Together, they sort through food donations, stock shelves, and deliver meals to ensure no one in their community goes hungry.
In 2024, the Helping Hands Food Bank distributed 3.4 million pounds of food, with 251,000 food bank visits recorded. But behind every pound of food and every visit from a client, is the dedication of volunteers.
The power of volunteers
The organization operates with a core group of 350 volunteers, ranging in age from 6 to 99.
Rebecca Skrinde, CEO of Helping Hands doesn't mince words when talking about the role of volunteers.
"The volunteers who come in are loyal," Skrinde said. "They really choose to be here. They're really passionate about being here and their hearts are so into it."
For many volunteers, Helping Hands Food Bank is a community built across generations. Many older volunteers have been part of the community for decades and see this type of service as a way to give back to the place that shaped them.
She's also seen young volunteers, especially those who grew up in the digital age, develop friendships with seniors over something as simple as sorting produce or packing bags for delivery.
"It's an amazing space to find your own community behind this important mission, older generations next to younger generations, they find commonalities." Skrinde said. "It's a great and safe place to come plug yourself in to your community if you don't know how. It's a place for you to come to feel like you're part of something bigger."
Beyond the food bank
The food bank is just one place where community members can volunteer. Helping Hands also runs a Solutions Center that offers community members support and assistance that can contribute to an individual or family experiencing food insecurity, such as unemployment or homelessness.
Get involved
Volunteers can drive veterans to appointments, check on and provide companionship to homebound seniors and assist with street outreach.
Learn more about Helping Hands Food Bank and Solution Center: https://helpinghandsskagit.org/
Check out the Helping Hands Food Bank and Solution Center's volunteer opportunities: https://helpinghandsskagit.org/volunteer/
