Last Wednesday, the staff at the Food Bank got together
after work and had a special awards potluck to thank Dan Sweezy for everything
he does for our community. Even though
Dan doesn’t live in Rainier, he’s the President of the Rainier Emergency Food
Center. He’s over 80 years old, yet
drives to pick up food and deliver it to the food bank, regularly.
He is devoted to serving people in need in Thurston County. People come in casual clothing to pick up
food in Rainier. “They don’t wear suits
and ties, or drive fancy automobiles.”
He said. “The people we serve
really need our help.”
I must admit, Dan runs a tight ship. Nothing goes to waste. If it isn’t fit for human consumption, it
goes to pigs, chickens or heifers. Thousands
of people and animals are fed every month under his leadership and
guidance.
The Rainier Emergency Food Center is entirely staffed with
volunteers. Dozens of people serve the
public; not one person is paid. Some
people go without, to buy gas to put in the van, so they can get food and
supplies to serve the needy. Others,
like Dan, sell personal items to get the money to keep our food bank
operational. Through the dedication and
devotion of the people at REFC they have become “The Heart of the Community.”
