This has been a hectic, but wonderful few weeks here at The River. Several things happened recently that filled me with the special kind of joy that comes from working in a place full of good people doing great things.

Helen, our Director of Operations, recently shared that she stopped at the northside Walgreens on her way home.  The cashier saw her River sweatshirt and told Helen that she used to be a case manager and would always send her clients to us. To quote the cashier, “There are a lot of food pantries, but none like The River.” I’m so proud that we have gained that kind of trust from the people who serve the most vulnerable in our community.

Then, a few weeks ago, a client ran out of gas while in the drive-thru groceries line at The River. A few members of our staff helped him push his car to the back of our parking lot. The client shared that he was new to town and currently living in his car. Our Pantry Coordinator, Meaghan, started searching our building for a gas can he could use.

Before she could find one, another client in the drive-thru line overheard what was happening and said he had a spare gas can at home. That client said that The River has helped so much but he isn’t able to volunteer, so at least he can help with this. He took his groceries home and brought back the gas can.

A volunteer who was just finishing up with his shift also noticed the situation unfolding and offered to drive the client who needed gas to the gas station, which he happily accepted.

That may have been one of the more difficult days of that client’s life, but our community came together to help a stranger in need, everyone pitching in whatever way they could.  Simple gestures can make a huge difference to someone struggling through a challenging time.

These situations and stories happen frequently at The River — people helping people, people caring about people, people being there for people.

As I reflect on 13 years with The River this month, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible community that show up every day — the staff, our volunteers, donors and a variety of supporters.  So many of the faces and stories I have encountered over these 13 years will stay with me forever.  I have been shaped personally and professionally by my time at The River and have learned lessons about humility, perseverance, gratitude and the power of community.  I am so very grateful to be a part of this wonderful non-profit that has touched the lives of so many.

While we celebrate our beautiful new facility and our upcoming 20th anniversary, it is still the people and the compassion they show for one another that truly make The River a joyful and inspiring place.