Since his retirement, Mr. Reese, The Capital's volunteer of the week, has devoted his thoughts and efforts in another area of service. He wanted to give more back to the community. Serving the community Cathy Holstrom, program director for Food Link, has worked with Mr. Reese and his wife, Irene, for almost seven years. The Reeses try to give the kids direction and keep them away from drugs. Food Link is an organization that rescues surplus but not sellable perishable food to distribute to people in need.
Food donations come from both retail and wholesale businesses.
With the exception of two staff positions, the program is all volunteer. Most mornings the Reeses find themselves picking up food from Giolitti's, Giant, Metro and Safeway. The couple responds sometimes on a moment's notice to a donation of, for example, baked goods, said Ms. Holstrom. They will actually take food to other organizations for us as well. With his work with a Planning Action Committee, he brings in motivational speakers such as deacons, ministers, sports figures, teachers as well as police officers.