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Call (360) 221-6454 for additional information regarding the food bank, Food Bank Location: Phone: 360-221-6454 Hours: Tuesdays: Wednesdays thru Saturdays: Sundays: Closed
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VolunteersGood Cheer has a volunteer staff of 220 people, but we are always happy to welcome more into the fold. If you can donate even an hour or two per week, we would love to have you join us! If you are interested, come on in and speak with anyone on the staff.
Featured Volunteer: Louise Prewitt Good Cheer Board Member Louise Prewitt has always been in the business of helping people.
“I’ve been around so long that I know how to do just about anything,” she said. “When I come in I just say ‘Where do you want me? And then, that’s what I do.” Her first love, however, is the food bank because that’s where her volunteer work at Good Cheer began. She oftentimes attends the Tuesday night work parties, and is known to have a joke or two to tell the other volunteers. “Anybody who volunteers time is a saint in my book,” she said. “They all have wings and a halo to me,” she said of the volunteers at Good Cheer. Having traveled the world doing disaster relief, Louise is appreciative of being able to help right here in her own community. “We have a need here whether you want to believe it or not,” she said. “There are hungry people right here on South Whidbey and they need our help.” “I found an old farmhouse built in 1905 and I loved it so much that we made it our permanent home,” she said. She met her second husband while working in International Relief. Together, she and her current husband have “the yours, mine and ours family” of four children and seven grandchildren, she said. Louise credits the current Good Cheer Board of Directors with getting a lot done for the organization. “The board is just very progressive,” she said. “It’s great to be a part of that. Everyone works together so well. They are all about trying to find answers and they do just that.” Louise is a member of Good Cheer’s finance committee, the building committee, and helps with special projects such as finding a new delivery truck for Good Cheer. She is also Good Cheer’s representative for Whidbey Island Nourishes (WIN) committee that provides lunches when school lunches are not available. “Louise is the one board member who attends all the food bank conferences and workshops with Good Cheer staff,” Executive Director Kathy McLaughlin said. “She was also the first one to help and the last one to leave when we opened the Clothing Rack, and when we were preparing for the food bank open house.” Louise’s love for helping others and for Whidbey Island are combined in her work at Good Cheer. “Gosh, what’s not to like about helping people?” she said. “You do it because you can and because you care.” She feels a strong sense of community and thinks all residents of Whidbey Island need to give back. “We’re all a part of this place,” she said. “We all have a responsibility to help each other and make this a better place. We all need to do our part.”
Previously Featured Volunteer: Jim Troxel “When I started volunteering at the food bank, Good Cheer was in the middle of looking for a new location,” Troxel said.
“Jim’s volunteering at Good Cheer and his expertise in real estate were a great combination,” said Kathy McLaughlin, Executive Director at Good Cheer. “He has been a great asset to the Bayview building project.” Soon Troxel found himself on the construction committee for Good Cheer, coordinating the search for a new home for the food bank. When the chairman of the committee, Maury Hood, resigned to head a large construction project, “They asked me to take over and I said ‘Yes.’” Troxel used his past experience in commercial real estate to help negotiate the purchase of the former Masonic Lodge, now the Good Cheer Bayview site. He also had a hand in the sale of another piece of property near there that was going to be the site for the food bank, before the opportunity of the Masonic Lodge presented itself. Once Good Cheer decided on the Bayview location, Troxel coordinated the design and remodeling, working with LAS Design Company and Gemkow Construction. “I was sort of the third party between Kathy and the staff and the construction and remodeling personnel,” he said. “In a project like this, there are always things that change, once you get into it. Sometimes on paper you think one thing is going to work, when actually at the site, you can see that another way would be better.” In the beginning of the committee’s work, he was at meetings almost every other week for more than a year and was often onsite during the renovation and construction. “I am certainly glad to have been a part of it,” he said. “It turned out well and I’m glad everyone is pleased with the building. “It’s so exciting to see people coming and going from the food bank, even though it’s only been open a few weeks,” he added.Little did Jim Troxel know that volunteering at the Good Cheer Food Bank would lead him to other volunteer jobs. “When I started volunteering at the food bank, Good Cheer was in the middle of looking for a new location,” Troxel said. “Somehow it came out that my last job before I retired was as director of real estate for Associated Grocers. Kathy (McLaughlin) found that out and asked me if I’d be able to contribute to the real estate needs.” “Jim’s volunteering at Good Cheer and his expertise in real estate were a great combination,” said Kathy McLaughlin, Executive Director at Good Cheer. “He has been a great asset to the Bayview building project.” Soon Troxel found himself on the construction committee for Good Cheer, coordinating the search for a new home for the food bank. When the chairman of the committee, Maury Hood, resigned to head a large construction project, “They asked me to take over and I said ‘Yes.’” Troxel used his past experience in commercial real estate to help negotiate the purchase of the former Masonic Lodge, now the Good Cheer Bayview site. He also had a hand in the sale of another piece of property near there that was going to be the site for the food bank, before the opportunity of the Masonic Lodge presented itself. Once Good Cheer decided on the Bayview location, Troxel coordinated the design and remodeling, working with LAS Design Company and Gemkow Construction. “I was sort of the third party between Kathy and the staff and the construction and remodeling personnel,” he said. “In a project like this, there are always things that change, once you get into it. Sometimes on paper you think one thing is going to work, when actually at the site, you can see that another way would be better.” In the beginning of the committee’s work, he was at meetings almost every other week for more than a year and was often onsite during the renovation and construction. “I am certainly glad to have been a part of it,” he said. “It turned out well and I’m glad everyone is pleased with the building. “It’s so exciting to see people coming and going from the food bank, even though it’s only been open a few weeks,” he added. Previosuly Featured Volunteer: Evvy Brumback Evvy Brumback never really thinks of her age until someone asks her how it is that she has lived to be 91 and in such good health. “I tell them the secret is to go to bed every night and then just get up every morning,” she says with a laugh.
“My mother is a fighter and a two-time cancer survivor,” says Evvy’s daughter, Bonnie. “She doesn’t believe in laying around and feeling sorry for herself.” Indeed, Evvy spreads a little sunshine as part of the senior Fun Band, in which she plays the trumpet kazoo and sings a little, playing gigs all over the island and at nursing homes. Music comes naturally to Evvy, the fourth of eight children who grew up in a very musical family in Walla Walla, WA. Every child played an instrument or sang. Now there are only two siblings, both younger, remaining.
Evvy began volunteering one day at Good Cheer when she was stopped in the store with Helen. “I made so many good customer friends,” she says. “One woman who was color-blind even let me pick out her clothing for her.” Good Cheer staff and volunteers celebrated Evvy’s birthday last Spring at their monthly luncheon. “It’s just the greatest thing to make friends with all the staff and volunteers who work here. The party was great. It was just like home.” Previously Featured Volunteer: Jim Engstrom
Jim is one of Good Cheer’s most stalwart and appreciated volunteers.
Executive Director Kathy McLaughlin echoes the sentiment. “The favorite part of my day is when Jim brings me my first cup of coffee with a great big smile and asks me how I’m doing,” she said. “He then goes on to do his daily report which may include that we are low on hamburger, out of coffee, or that the truck is making a strange noise and needs to be checked out. “Jim’s favorite thing to share is funny stories. He loves to laugh and always engages others to join in the fun. “Jim is the sunshine of Good Cheer. When he isn’t here there is a big void in my day,” Kathy adds. For his part, Jim says that he enjoys being a part of the team and working with the volunteers and the many people who come in to use the food bank. “There’s lots of good people here,” he says. He looks forward to helping with the move to the new food bank where he will continue to be David Phelps assistant. The pride Jim takes in keeping the food bank stocked and in good order is evident, as is his willingness to be of assistance in any way that he can. Food Bank Intern Mannette Owens observes that, “Food bank clients like Jim because he is friendly, kind, and genuinely concerned that they receive every item available. He greets everyone with a smile and makes the visit as enjoyable as possible. Many clients consider him a friend.” It was three years ago when Jim came into Good Cheer in Langley and asked to help. “What started out as one day a week soon grew to five and then six days,” says his mother, Clare. “He really enjoys his work at Good Cheer and has probably gained from it as much as he has given. He has become more confident and outgoing,” she said. Jim used to spend his days fixing lawn mowers and other mechanical items, something that he was very good at it, according to his father, Harold, but it was work that didn’t bring him into contact with many people. His work at Good Cheer however, allows him to share his natural gifts of humor and generosity, and has enlarged his circle of friends. Jim and his parents moved to South Whidbey from Granite Falls about 12 years ago. Younger brother, Kevin, a mortgage broker in Freeland, is proud of his older brother and the contribution to the community that he makes. “Jim is just a great guy... he’s very generous... with a heart the size of Texas,” said Kevin. “I really appreciate Jim’s happy-go-lucky attitude,” said Mark. “He makes my job much easier and my days brighter.” Good Cheer Two manager Judy Allen agrees. She appreciates Jim’s reliability and willingness to help at the Clinton Thrift Store on Saturdays when he moves furniture and helps people load items into their vehicles. "He likes to be in the middle of people, and knows his help is very welcome here,” she said. And greatly appreciated. Previously Featured Volunteer: Larry Poolman
Most people would be too tired after working a full-time job to volunteer afterward, but Larry finds the work relaxing... and even fun. ]“I was taught young how to work hard, he says. “And here the people – both staff and customers – are very friendly,” he said, as he helped load a newly bought couch onto a truck. “It’s really a fun place to be.” Larry came to the store five months ago to help his sister, Judy Allen, the store manager, move some items, and has been returning nearly every day ever since. He voluntreers about 142 hours a month, sometimes working alongside his 16-year-old daughter Sara, who also volunteers. When he’s not moving furniture around, Larry sort items, puts them on the display floor, and does general tidying up, plus dusting. “There’s always dusting to do,” he says with a laugh. “Larry is a perfect fit for Good Cheer,” says Kathy McLaughlin, G.C’s Executive Director. “He has a heart of gold and the ability to turn our donations into the condition that makes them sellable and desirable,” she added. Previously Featured Volunteer: Helen Nobile
A volunteer at Good Cheer for the past 41/2 years, she places newly received clothes on the thrift store racks in Langley and tidies up the store. “I try to make the store look nice so that people will buy more items—because that’s what the thrift store is all about—raising money for the food bank,” she said. “I love shopping at thrift stores myself, and I used to come here all the time. One day I asked if I could help, and that’s how I became a volunteer. “I am so thankful that there is a need for volunteers at Good Cheer. I am the receiver of happiness because it fills my soul to be useful,” she said. “I love the people here, they are wonderful—so happy and friendly,” she said, waving to several patrons and volunteers. Helen is known as much for her willingness to work as she is for her positive attitude and high energy. “She’s as cute as a shetland pony, with the work ethic and determination of a mule,” is how one staff member describes her. About the only thing people don’t know about Helen is her age—a fact that she politely, but firmly refuses to discuss. “Age doesn’t matter as long as a person has good health,” she said. “Even if a person is home-bound, there’s always something they can do. Several of my neighbors at Brookhaven put together card packets at home or work on doll clothes for the thrift store,” she says. “I’ve been volunteering for about 25 years in a number of ways, from picking up litter and fishing nets on beaches in Hawaii, to cleaning up litter on highways in Montana, and now the thrift store. Volunteering has been a wonderful way of life for me,” she said. Previously Featured Volunteer: Britt Fletcher
When Britt and his family moved to Whidbey Island four years ago they looked for various ways to get involved with the local community. Britt’s younger daughter Savannah learned about volunteer opportunities at Good Cheer during a presentation at the church they attend. She expressed a keen interest in volunteering and encouraged her father to join her. About 10 hours a month, father and daughter sort and tag clothes together for Good Cheer’s Thrift Store. Britt also fills in as driver of Good Cheer’s item pick-up truck when needed. “Hands-on work lets you directly see the impact of your efforts,” says Britt. “You gain a greater understanding of the problem of hunger in our community and the vital role Good Cheer Food Bank fills in supplying this basic human need,” he said. “Volunteering at Good Cheer is fun, the hours are flexible, the people are nice, and it’s a great way to share time with my daughter while helping a good cause,” he adds. In addition to volunteering, Britt also spends about five hours a month serving on Good Cheer’s Board as Treasurer–—a good fit for his 20 years of banking and financial consulting experience. Currently Britt is working with the Finance Committee in completing next year’s budget for Good Cheer. He is also assisting with preparations for an independent financial audit which will help open the door for increased grant funding to Good Cheer. “Serving on the Board is a good experience because everyone works well together as a team,” he says. Previously Featured Volunteer: Min Dexter
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“Somehow it came out that my last job before I retired was as director of real estate for Associated Grocers. Kathy (McLaughlin) found that out and asked me if I’d be able to contribute to the real estate needs.”
Evvy is an active nonagenarian who volunteered regularly as a cashier at Good Cheer until health problems forced her to slow down a bit several years ago. Now she’s back from time to time, accompanying her neighbor and good friend Helen Nobile, another Good Cheer volunteer, in straightening and cleaning the thrift store shelves in Langley.
Rain or shine, six days a week Jim Engstrom patiently waits outside his house for a ride that will bring him to Good Cheer Langley or Clinton for another full day of volunteer work.
Stocking the food bank’s freezer with 3,167 chickens and 7,464 lbs. of hamburger...
"Jim is my right hand man,” said David Phelps, Good Cheer’s Food Bank manager. “I appreciate how he works so hard in keeping the food bank neat and well-stocked. It is so nice having an assistant that understands the importance of being responsive and accountable to the families we serve,” he added.
After Larry Poolman works from 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as a grounds maintenance employee for South Whidbey School District, he drives to Good Cheer Two Thrift Store in Clinton, where he puts in a “second shift” as a volunteer, usually for another four hours.
Helen Nobile has a smile so wide her face can hardly contain it, a joyful bounce in her step, and an irrepressibly cheerful disposition.
Britt Fletcher, our featured volunteer, is also a Good Cheer Board member.
The article pointed out that Min had been volunteering at Good Cheer for 17 years. Well, another 10 years have gone by, and Min is still here volunteering in the sorting room.
But there’s no garbage in this bag. Instead, about 20 old, used dolls peek out with (one could imagine) hopeful eyes lifted to the woman who may be able to restore them to their former glory.
