Whatever troubles may roil around the management of the Tri-Area Food Bank, the public should rest assured that the heart and soul of the county food bank system — which is the dedicated dozens of volunteers that run the daily operations of all the food banks and serve their hundreds of clients — remain committed to their mission, which is helping people get the food they need.

These volunteers are truly inspiring to observe. They work with incredible energy and purpose — gathering tons of food from sources all over the area, hauling it to the food bank sites, unloading all of it by hand, storing it, displaying it and distributing it, whatever the weather, whatever the challenges.

Overall it is a herculean amount of work. These amazing folks dedicate hours of their time every week making sure that Jefferson County families have good food enough to feed their kids, and that all people in need can get the food they need to survive in hard times.

The greatest thing to see at the food banks is the unconditional kindness and respect that these volunteers offer everyone who comes through their doors. No matter who you are, how you look, whatever the reasons you are going through hard times, you will always be treated with dignity, respect and good cheer. Volunteers get to know the clients, anticipate their needs, and look out for them as much as they can. Sometimes the folks at the food bank are the only community of friends that some of the solitary clients have.

The three food banks of this county remain great places to volunteer, and great places to donate food and resources -- because the amazing volunteers of these facilities are dedicated to fulfilling their mission for our neighbors, no matter what.

Doug Edelstein

Port Townsend