Archives for April 20, 2026

Last fall, Susan walked into work expecting an ordinary day. Instead, she was called into her manager’s office and let go from her job. Five years of faithful work ended in a moment.

On the drive home, the shock began to settle into something heavier. As a single mom of three, her thoughts quickly turned to her kids. The bills. The rent. The groceries. She started doing the math in her head, trying to stretch numbers that simply wouldn’t stretch far enough.

For five weeks, Susan cut back where she could—then cut back some more. Meals became smaller and less frequent. She made sure her kids were fed, even if it meant going without meals for herself. During the day, while they were at school, she searched endlessly for jobs—submitting applications and attending interviews, hoping something would come through. Eventually, the weight of doing it all alone became too much.

When Susan first walked up to the food bank last fall, she was fearful and full of shame. She didn’t know what to expect but definitely didn’t expect the kindness, encouragement, and compassion that volunteers extended to her. Instead of judgment, she was met with grace; instead of embarrassment, she experienced dignity.

Then there was the food. There was fresh produce that she could turn into real meals. Dairy, eggs, and pantry staples that she didn’t have to ration so tightly. For the first time in weeks, Susan felt peace that her kids would eat healthy meals.

We haven’t seen Susan in the past couple of months and hope that she found that job she was seeking and a way forward for her family. But her story stays with us.

Susan represents many of our guests, who come upon unexpected hard times and are trying to do everything they can to hold themselves and their families together while managing the anxiety of their uncertainty. As Big Day of Giving approaches, would you consider making a one-time gift to help us reach our $75,000 goal? Your support makes stories like Susan’s possible, ensuring that when someone walks through our doors, they are met food, dignity, and maybe a sense of peace.

Donate During Big Day Of Giving

Carl had been coming to Twin Lakes Food Bank for years to get groceries for him and his wife, Emma. He’s the kind of person you notice right away—not because he asks for anything, but because of the way he carries himself. A veteran on a fixed income, he consistently shows up with a quiet strength and a grateful heart. Each visit to the food bank meant bringing home the groceries that would become their daily rhythm… especially breakfast. Every morning, Carl would prepare a meal for Emma using the food he received—simple, steady acts of love that filled their home.

A few years ago, Emma had a stroke that Carl thought that she had recovered from, but one day when she wasn’t feeling well, he took her to the hospital. In a moment that no one could have expected, she passed away.

Today, Carl still wakes up each morning and makes breakfast. But instead of sitting across from Emma, he sits with her photo… setting the table as if she were still there, honoring the life they shared in the only way he knows how. When he is able, Carl visits his wife’s grave and brings flowers. Guest Engagement Coordinator, Lindsay Olson said to him, “Next time you go, let us know. We have flowers in our garden… we’d love to make a bouquet for you.”

The line of guests outside our doors isn’t just a line, it’s filled with people who have loved deeply, lost deeply, and are doing their best to carry on. Would you consider making a one-time gift to help us reach our $75,000 goal during Big Day of Giving? Your support ensures we can continue to care for people like Carl—not just with food, but with dignity, compassion, and moments of kindness that remind them they are not alone.

Donate During Big Day Of Giving