"The 'Face of Hunger' has changed and they are hungry," states Judy Kline as she reflects on her job at the Post Falls Food Bank. "We see people come in that have had nice homes and nice cars and great jobs, and don't anymore."

Judy Kline, a retired rural postal carrier, has always supported the local food bank. She has lived in Post Falls for 34 years and has seen a lot by way of her occupation. "It is eye-opening, shares Kline. "You get to know where the need is. But I find so many of us live in our own world and can't see the reality of what is happening around us."

Kline has served on the front lines for collecting food donations for many postal food drives. She also has utilized United Way's Employee Giving Program to support the Post Falls Food Bank throughout her career. Now that she is retired, she prefers to work in the back of the food bank, deciding to "put some feet under it," as she calls it. Her job includes packaging, lifting, and sorting the food product.

There are 3 positions at the food bank: Processing specialist, guest specialist, and food rescue specialist. "We are always looking for volunteers," claims Kline. "I work one day a week for 6 hours on Tuesdays and my husband Don (retired from the Sheriff's Office) works on Thursdays as a food rescue specialist, driving from store to store and picking up food."

Sherrie Wallis, Executive Director of the Post Falls Food Bank, views Kline as "One of the most dedicated individuals she has ever worked with, selflessly donating her time and talents. Her extra hands really do help lessen the burden of others."

The state of the economy has left many families affected by homelessness and poverty. Many experts claim that we are seeing a change for the better. However, the Post Falls Food Bank is not having that same experience. Kline says, "A couple years ago we would see 40 families in need in a day. This year, the day after Memorial Day, we assisted 165 families."

Post Falls Food Bank volunteers work with the community to accomplish the mission of providing hunger relief. Every volunteer who has worked at a food bank shares the same story. It is powerful, yet sometimes emotional, and reflective of human good nature to see how many "faces" are so appreciative of the services provided. Many recipients return to the food bank to become fabulous, long-term volunteers. At their lowest point, they see hope, and find support.

Volunteer Opportunity:

Veteran's Stand Down needs YOU!

A one-day Stand Down for Veterans who need help or are homeless is being planned for July 27. This event is designed to bridge many of the barriers between service providers and recipients. Primary emphasis is placed on the creation of an event in which homeless veterans are treated with respect and given the opportunity to relax, interact with peers and volunteers while receiving much-needed services.

This year the event will be held at the Bitterroot Building in the Riverbend Commerce Park at 690 South Clearwater Loop in Post Falls, with many services being offered. Besides normally accessed services, the committee is especially hoping to include haircuts, veterinary help, and bicycle repairs along with the regular service providers.

If you would like to have a table to support this event as a vendor, or provide a specific service, please contact Bryan Bledsoe at American Legion Post No. 143, (208) 773-9054. If you would like to help as a volunteer on the committee or day of the event, please visit www.kootenaiunitedway.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to register for the event, or contact Jeanette Laster at United Way of Kootenai County, (208) 667-8112 Ext. 101.