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Some people leave an imprint on a place so deeply that it becomes impossible to imagine it without them. That’s Alice Ross.

As we stepped into 2026 and made plans to celebrate 40 years of serving our community, we realized there is one person who has faithfully walked alongside this ministry for half of that journey. Longer than any of our staff, volunteers, or even board members, Alice has been a steady, compassionate presence through seasons of growth, challenge, and change.

Twenty years ago, after retiring from her career as a preschool teacher, Alice began volunteering at the food pantry founded by her church, Trinity Episcopal. What started as a simple desire to serve quickly became a lasting ministry of presence, kindness, and love. Back then, when the food bank still operated a clothing closet, Alice faithfully served there every week. When Trinity took over the clothing ministry so Twin Lakes Food Bank could focus fully on food services, Alice decided to serve both ministries—bringing her servant’s heart to Meet & Dairy, where she continues to serve today.

Every week, Alice shows up with the same gentle spirit and welcoming smile. From the moment guests meet her, there’s a sense of ease she brings with her. She has a remarkable way of helping people feel comfortable, cared for, and known. It’s not uncommon to see her grab a toy for a child, accompanying their parents, or pause to ask a guest about something they shared weeks earlier. Alice remembers people. She follows up. She listens intentionally.

In doing so, she makes guests feel seen in a way that stays with them. For many of our guests, Alice feels less like a volunteer and more like an old friend. Watching her interact with people warms our hearts because her care is never rushed or performative. It’s genuine. Quiet. Consistent. The kind of kindness that leaves a lasting impact long after a grocery visit ends.

And her service doesn’t stop at the food bank doors.

Alice continues to volunteer at Trinity each week, and even at home, her hands are still serving others. While watching TV in the evenings, she prepares meal kits for our unhoused guests—quietly spending her free time caring for people most will never even meet.

Outside of volunteering, Alice enjoys traveling, reading good books, and spending time with friends—many of whom she first met while serving at the food bank. In fact, Alice has even recruited several of our beloved volunteers over the years, inviting others into the same meaningful service she has faithfully carried for decades. Alice embodies what it means to serve with humility and consistency. She doesn’t seek attention. She simply shows up, week after week, year after year, allowing God to work through her in ordinary but deeply powerful ways.

This year, at our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, we had the honor of celebrating Alice with an award recognizing her 20 years of service—a small token of gratitude for the countless ways she has blessed our guests, our volunteers, our staff, and this ministry as a whole. But the truth is, there is no award large enough to fully capture the impact Alice has had on this place. For twenty years, she has been a quiet pillar of what makes Twin Lakes Food Bank so special.

A steady presence.
A compassionate heart.
A reflection of God’s hands and love in action.

It’s because of volunteers like Alice, thousands of guests over the years have not only received food, but have also experienced kindness, dignity, and the reminder that they are deeply cared for.

“I just want all of you to know that you have brought a spark of hope back into my family’s life… my first time here, I had lost all hope. Thank you for bringing that back.”

That’s how one of nearly 200 guests described their experience at Twin Lakes Food Bank in response to a recent guest survey. Our food bank is more than a place to get food; it’s a place where people are seen, valued, and cared for. Ninety-eight percent of guests said they felt welcomed from their very first visit. Again and again, we heard the same sentiment:

“The staff and volunteers feel like family.”
“I love how much the volunteers care.”
“I’ve come in on my worst day and left feeling on top of the world.”

These kind words reflect the food bank’s intentionality to create a culture of dignity, connection, and compassion. Over 90% of guests shared that the groceries they receive help them afford other essentials, like rent and prescriptions, to make ends meet. Guests identified that the most needed items include fresh meat, produce, and dairy which are made possible through strong grocery store partnerships. But beyond the data, one truth stands out: people don’t just leave with groceries—they leave with hope.

At Twin Lakes Food Bank, a visit feels different from other food banks the moment a guest arrives. They are welcomed by name, met with warm smiles, and guided by volunteers who take the time to learn their story—remembering a child’s milestone, asking how the broken foot is healing—and offer a sense of connection that goes beyond the food itself. Guests’ feedback on the survey expressed that they feel seen, valued, and supported. Because when you belong to a village cheering you on, even the hardest days begin to feel a little more manageable.

Heather’s story might resemble many of our own. She had a safe home with her three young children filled with love and stability, surrounded by family and community. That’s probably where the similarities end. While we were watching the war between Russia and Ukraine break out on television, Heather’s family was living it from their small village in Ukraine.

The war forced Heather and her family to flee their home, leaving behind their belongings and the life they had built. In the days that followed, the unthinkable became reality – loved ones and neighbors died and their home was destroyed. When Heather and her family arrived in the United States, they carried very little with them, but they carried everything they had been through: grief, uncertainty and the overwhelm of starting over in a place that was entirely unfamiliar.

Three young children looked to her and her husband for stability and hope. They began the hard work of building a new home in a new culture with new systems and rules. During that journey, Heather found the food bank. At first, it was a place to receive necessary groceries during a season where every resource mattered from the fresh food to the diapers for her baby that were available. Then, Heather shared what she hadn’t expected, “It’s not only the gift of groceries—it’s the gifts of dignity and kindness from the staff and volunteers that has been so humbling.”

Today, Heather and her family continue to build their new lives, create new rhythms, and hold onto hope for their future. Behind every family we serve, there is a journey we may never fully see, marked by courage and the quiet determination to begin again.

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 it possible for families like Heather’s to receive food and dignity in the midst of rebuilding.

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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. If you haven’t already, would you consider making a one-time gift to help us reach our $75,000 Big Day Of Giving 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.

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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

Faithful in the background, powerful in impact. 

Week after week, Bill Reed shows up with quiet consistency, faithfully supporting both guests and volunteers in ways that help everything at the food bank come together.

Twice a week—every Tuesday and Wednesday—Bill shows up ready to serve. No fanfare. No need for recognition. Just a steady presence, a willing heart, and a smile that never seems to fade. For the past three years, Bill has been serving with our operations team, jumping in wherever he’s needed. Unloading trucks, assisting guests, supporting volunteers—if there’s a need, Bill is already there. Whether it’s helping another volunteer, supporting a staff member, or simply noticing a need before it’s even spoken, he serves with a true servant’s heart. 

What stands out most isn’t just what he does—it’s how he does it. Even in the middle of the fast-paced work of unloading and organizing, Bill never loses sight of what matters most: the people we serve. It’s incredible to watch how efficiently he works while still making guests the priority—offering help, showing respect, and taking time to connect. It warms our hearts and reminds us that service is so much more than what we do, it’s how we do it.

Bill’s impact doesn’t stop with our guests. He has a way of showing up for our team, too. If he misses a daily check-in, he doesn’t just move on—he follows up. He reaches out. He makes sure he stays connected. That kind of intentionality speaks volumes. Though he often works quietly in the background, his encouragement, kind words, and consistent follow-through uplift everyone around him.

His motivation is simple: to give back and help those who are less fortunate but over time, that simple desire has grown into something deeper. “The smiles and assistance we provide—it is so gratifying,” Bill shares. If you’ve seen him walking alongside a guest or helping carry groceries to their car, you’ve seen that gratitude come full circle. Those moments—conversations between checkout and the parking lot—are some of the ones that have stayed with him most. “I’m struck by their level of appreciation,” he says. Through his time at Twin Lakes Food Bank, Bill’s perspective has shifted in a meaningful way. “All people are God’s children,” he reflects, “not just our circle of friends.”

Before serving at the food bank, Bill spent his career as a tech field sales leader, building relationships and leading teams. Today, whether he’s serving at the food bank or spending time with family, traveling, golfing, or playing pickleball, that same heart for people continues to guide him.

When asked what he wishes others knew about TLFB, Bill points to something we all feel but may not always put into words: “The camaraderie and generosity of the staff and volunteers—and how much our guests need and appreciate our services.”

Bill may not seek the spotlight—but his presence shines in quiet, powerful ways. It is displayed through his consistency and kindness every day he shows up. Volunteers like Bill not only serve our guests, but they make sure they are valued, respected, and reminded that they are not alone.

I recently visited Folsom Lake College to witness one of our Pantry Outreach Program (POP) partners in action. This program allows us to partner with local organizations and expand accessibility to nutritious food while supporting vulnerable neighbors through services like education, counseling, and employment resources. While I knew the statistics and was familiar with the logistics, being on campus and watching the food distribution unfold in front of me brought the relational aspect of our mission, front and center.

I watched as Byron Butler, from our operations team, along with some student volunteers unload food from our boxed truck. Boxes of food and other pantry staples moved quickly from truck to carts, then into the Welcome Center. Right inside the doors, tables were set up and a line had already begun to form—quiet at first, but full of anticipation.

As the food was carefully arranged, I met David Martinez, the Falcon Cares Basic Needs Specialist at Folsom Lake College, who oversees this vital service. He shared how deeply grateful he is for the partnership and support that Twin Lakes Food Bank provides. David recalls that when the pantry first started, students didn’t come as many were embarrassed to be seen by their peers.

However, through consistency and a welcoming spirit from volunteers and staff, the culture began to shift and the stigma softened. What was once something to hide became something students and families not only needed, but looked forward to. A student recently shared with David, “I love this program! It always makes me happy seeing it even if I don’t grab anything for myself. I really appreciate everyone coming together every week to help us all.”

I watched students waiting in line, connecting with one another through conversation and laughter, as friendly volunteers greeted each person with warmth and dignity. I was able to quietly celebrate the beauty of what happens when acts of kindness and community collide.

How do you prepare for a trip to the grocery store? For most of us, it requires little more than grabbing a wallet, a shopping list, and a few reusable bags. But for the guests we serve at the food bank, the experience is far more challenging. During the hottest months, they often wait outside—sometimes for up to 30-40 minutes—before stepping into the relief of an air-conditioned space. What is a routine errand for some becomes an exercise in patience, endurance, and resilience for others.

When temperatures surged a few weeks ago, Guest Engagement Coordinator Lindsay Olson saw firsthand how the uncovered courtyard was affecting guests. One woman with health concerns had to leave without food because she simply couldn’t endure the heat. Nearby, a young mother stood cradling her crying baby, gently fanning her with a piece of paper in a desperate attempt to keep her cool.

In that moment, Lindsay knew something had to change. “We can’t go through another summer like last year,” she said.

Determined to find a solution, she partnered with a volunteer who had building experience and began researching options. Together, they found a practical and lasting answer: a retractable awning to provide much-needed shade and relief.

This is where the 24-hour Big Day of Giving (BDOG) fundraiser connects directly to the real, immediate needs of our hungry neighbors—turning compassion into action at the food bank.

Since 2013, BDOG has united our neighbors across the Sacramento region and inspired more than 60,000 donors, like you, to give $117 million to nonprofits serving El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties.

On May 7, our goal is to raise $75,000 to help strengthen the way we provide food and care for the vulnerable who come to us for food.

Funds raised will support three key priorities:

1. Nutritious Food — $58,000
2. Retractable Awning — $15,000
3. Produce Stand — $12,000

Early giving opens April 27, and we invite you to make a donation between then and May 7 that will make a practical and heartwarming impact on our food insecure neighbors’ ability to access nutritious food with dignity and respect.

Learn More About Big Day of Giving by clicking the button below.

Big Day Of Giving