If you’ve ever visited Twin Lakes Food Bank on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Krissy Ard. You might find her stocking meat and dairy, helping guests find what they need, or chatting with a senior who simply needs someone to listen. What you may not realize is that Krissy’s story with Twin Lakes Food Bank stretches back more than a decade—and has come full circle. Ten years ago, Krissy wasn’t looking for a volunteer opportunity. She was simply looking for a way to be part of her community.
After making a donation to the food bank, she learned there was a need for volunteers. So she did what many parents do—she brought her kids along. Together, Krissy and her sons spent their days serving neighbors, creating memories, and discovering the joy that comes from helping others. What started as volunteering eventually led to Krissy joining our staff. After a few years on staff Krissy was ready to retire but she wasn’t ready to leave. Instead, she put her volunteer badge back on and continued helping ensure families leave with nutritious food and a little extra encouragement.
For Krissy, some of the most meaningful moments happen in simple conversations. She loves seeing young families and reassuring parents who may be struggling. Sometimes it’s helping them find diapers or baby supplies. Sometimes it’s simply reminding them that everything is going to be okay. “It’s the little things,” she often says.
She has seen firsthand how something as simple as a package of diapers can bring relief and joy to a young parent. She loves serving seniors, too—listening to stories about their lives, hearing their wisdom, and helping them feel like they belong. In many ways, that’s what keeps Krissy coming back. The food matters. But the relationships matter too.
Over the past decade, she has built lasting friendships with fellow volunteers and staff members. She describes the people at Twin Lakes Food Bank as authentic, kind, and deeply caring. In fact, Krissy often mentions how amazing the volunteers are and how she wishes more people could experience that.
Before coming to Twin Lakes Food Bank, she worked as a personal trainer, helping people become stronger and healthier. These days, she’s retired, but she still stays active. She enjoys working out, golfing, gardening, reading, traveling, and visiting her children throughout California. She loves cooking, wine tasting, and perfecting her espresso martinis. She’s also a devoted fan of reality television—especially Survivor.
And then there’s Tina. Tina is Krissy’s sourdough starter, and by all accounts, a very important member of the family. But for all the hobbies and adventures she enjoys, one thing remains constant. Every time she leaves the food bank, she carries home a renewed sense of gratitude. Serving others has changed the way she sees the world. Watching guests find support during difficult seasons reminds her how much the little things matter. A kind word. A listening ear. A package of diapers. A bag of groceries. Small acts of kindness can have a big impact.
Thanks to volunteers like Krissy, those moments happen every day at Twin Lakes Food Bank. Behind the meat counter, behind the scenes, and often without recognition, she helps create a place where people feel welcomed, cared for, and valued. And that’s exactly what makes her part of the heartbeat of our mission.
