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.
