By Brooke Wiles, Donor Engagement Officer
“On call for anything”
Do you know people who are just up for anything, ready to jump in and help as needed at a moment’s notice? Meet longtime volunteers Pete and Susan Super. They are a superhero couple (pun intended) who roll up their sleeves to take on almost anything that is needed for the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank.
After relocating to Issaquah to be closer to their children and grandchildren in 2014, the Supers became aware of the food bank after reading about it in an Issaquah Reporter article featuring the implementation of in-person shopping at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. The article’s emphasis on respect and dignity resonated for them and “volunteering with an organization that has a strong culture of service helped us put down roots in our new community.” says Susan recalling how they first got involved.
Pete and Susan participate in the grocery rescue program as regular drivers, picking up donated food from grocery store partners. They also fill in as back-up drivers when another driver is out. Pete loves to drive the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank van and they both enjoy meeting the staff of the various grocery stores as they accept donations. “People smile and wave at us when we drive through the community in the van.” Explains Pete. They were instrumental with implementing “guide sheets” for new volunteer drivers. This tool remains in place as a useful guidebook for new volunteers who drive the van for the IFCB grocery rescue and delivery programs. The Supers also enjoy a host of odd jobs like when the van needed new tires, Pete took the lead on getting those replaced, and other valuable support like picking up Christmas donations from Costco, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc. They faithfully provide financial support, understanding that their dollar goes further with the food bank purchasing power.
Throughout the years, they have lived out their values through their participation with the food bank. As a former women’s health care nurse, Susan is a strong advocate for access to free feminine hygiene products for all women. Susan became aware of the movement two years ago when it was featured in the New York Times and Washington Post. “I wanted to be sure women and girls have access to free feminine hygiene so that they are not missing work or school.” Because of Susan’s suggestion and the generosity of other like-minded supporters; The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank regularly provides feminine hygiene products to any client who needs them.
The pandemic sidelined them until last summer when they resumed activities with the grocery rescue program. During this downtime, they expanded their list of participants in their neighborhood Issaquah-Sammamish Food Project. Susan and Pete fondly recall, their daughter Elizabeth organizing a “food packing party” for her children along with a group of neighborhood kids to benefit the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank pre-pandemic.
In addition to volunteering, Pete and Susan are avid gardeners, doting grandparents, and theatre attendees. As retirees, they stay busy. Pete volunteers for the Issaquah Trolley & Snoqualmie Railway Museum. When asked what it means for them to be a part of this effort Susan says, “When we go to the food bank, we get to interact with staff who are committed to the work they do. We are always welcomed with smiles. This is a big win for us. The work makes us feel useful.” The Supers are looking forward to “being on call for anything” when they resume a more regular volunteer schedule this coming March.
Pete and Susan, from the entire staff and all those we serve, we want to convey our deepest appreciation for all the time, talent, and resources you bring to the food bank family. We love our food bank superheroes!