Hello Ken,

April is Volunteer Recognition Month, and I am excited to introduce you to one of our amazing volunteers!

For 40 years, Kent watched his father operate a business that gave back. Helping his dad run a small gas station in Tacoma that worked closely with FISH Food Banks to supply resources to people in need left a huge impression on Kent. One so big that when he decided to retire he followed in his dad's footsteps, volunteering with Nourish. "For me, one of the most important things for me is upholding the legacy of my father."

Kent is a "Jack of all trades," helping to unload trucks, organize the warehouse, stack food, and even providing minor repairs in our food banks and warehouse. "Nourish impacts me by giving me the opportunity to give back to the community and people in need. It gives me something to be proud of."

Since the beginning of the year, Nourish volunteers have logged over 6,600 hours at our food banks, in our warehouse, and in our administrative office. As a nonprofit with a small staff, Nourish relies on our dedicated volunteers to keep things moving so nobody in need is ever turned away. Our volunteers are a valued part of the Nourish community, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. But more importantly, volunteers like Kent are an integral part of our mission, providing a helping hand, kind word, or a smile to a guest when they need it most. Thank you Kent and each and every one of our Nourish volunteers, YOU make our work possible!

Could A Donor Advised Fund Be For You?

Making qualified charitable distributions (QCD) from your IRA is a great idea but it has limitations depending on your age. First, you need to be 70 1/2 years old or older to transfer funds. Second, the IRS limits distributions to $100,000 per year. Could there be a different way?

An alternative to the IRA QCD is the Donor Advised Fund (DAF). You can set up a DAF at any working age and begin directing gifts immediately. No need to wait until your 70s! A DAF can provide even greater tax advantages – depending on whether you contribute securities or cash, you may contribute up to 60% of adjusted gross income annually. 

Nourish Pierce County is grateful that several of our donors have established DAFs and designate regular gifts to Nourish – these gifts help us support individuals and families who need food. You can create a DAF and recommend Nourish for a gift too! 

So how does a DAF work? Once you establish a DAF at organizations like the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation or Fidelity Charitable, you may contribute cash (or securities) to the fund at any time. The contribution is irrevocable - the fund belongs to the DAF organization, but you get to make “grant” recommendations to the DAF holder. As long as your recommendation is to a 501 (c)(3) in good standing, your wishes are generally honored. Your gift receipt, for deduction purposes comes from the DAF holding organization.

Locally, the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation can be a good option; reach out to faservices@gtcf.org or call 253-383-5622. 

Before making important financial decisions, please consult with your financial advisor, CPA, or tax attorney. 

If you would like to talk to someone at Nourish about IRA qualified charitable distributions, donor advised funds, or other kids of planned gifts, please contact Marion Sharp, Development Director, at (253) 383-3164 x 109 or at marionsharp@nourishpc.org.

Save the Date!

We are looking for Table Captains and Sponsors!

Contact development@nourishpc.org for more information.

Food Fun!

University Place Orange Theory has been working hard to collect peanut butter throughout the month of March. Last week they delivered 192 pounds of peanut butter to our Northwest Food Bank!

This partnership between Orange Theory and our Northwest Food Bank continues to build connection in our community and provide needed items to our food bank guests. If you are interested in forming a partnership with Nourish, reach out to the food bank manager closest to you to see what their most needed items are.

If you are interested in hosting an online fund drive for Nourish Pierce County, contact wendyozanne@nourishpc.org.

We Need Your Help!

The Graham Nourish Food Bank is looking for volunteers! We are searching for hardworking individuals who can support our Graham food bank on weekdays during food serves and prep days.

We are specifically looking for volunteers who can help with the following:

Monday 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM:

• Two volunteers are needed to help prep the food bank before the afternoon serve. This is a behind the scenes role and mainly involves stocking shelves and tidying up the food bank before guests arrive.

Monday 1:30 - 6:30 PM:

• One parking lot volunteer (this position requires extended periods of standing outside in all weather).
• One check-in volunteer, someone who is computer savvy and loves greeting people and getting to know our guests.
• Three food serve volunteers, these volunteers are stationed around the food bank to assist guests with their shopping.

Wednesday from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM:

• Two volunteers, stationed around the food bank to assist guests with their shopping.
• One computer savvy volunteer to greet and check-in guests.

If you are interested in volunteering with our Graham food bank, please reach out to our Graham Food Bank manager, Kilty Ellis at graham@nourishpc.org

How to volunteer for Nourish Pierce County

• Register at volunteer.nourishpc.org
• After you register, and with your permission, we conduct a Washington State Patrol Background Check.
• We will call you with information about orientations and more and send an email with times, locations and registration links.
• Attend an orientation – Tuesdays online at Noon, 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 5 PM and 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6PM.
• Once you attend orientation, sign up for your first shift!

Nourish is looking for three new staff members to join our growing team!

Mobile Food Bank Manager / CDL-A Driver

The Mobile Driver/Manager is responsible for all phases of food bank operations involved in the acquisition, maintenance, and distribution of food to customers through Nourish’ s Mobile Food Bank. The mobile food bank is semi-truck and trailer converted into a food pantry. The manager safely transports the mobile unit to area distribution sites. Once parked the manager ensures a warm and welcoming environment for customers to “shop” and provides a positive working environment for volunteers. Successful candidates must demonstrates effective leadership, good public relations skills, and ability to use personal computer technology.

Food Bank Manager

This position is responsible for all phases of food bank operations involved in the acquisition, maintenance, and distribution of food to customers. Ensures a compassionate and warm-welcoming environment for customers and provides a positive working environment for volunteers. Demonstrates effective leadership and good public relations skills and the ability to use personal computer technology. 

Volunteer Coordinator

This position is responsible for coordinating the volunteer and community outreach program, including individual volunteers and volunteer groups. The volunteer coordinator recruits volunteers through community outreach activities by providing information in person and in written form to local businesses, community organizations, colleges and technical schools, and more.

If you know these people, or maybe are one of them,

we’d love to have you apply!