03/02/2026
This week, we’re highlighting one of our wonderful volunteers, Erich Rau. We asked him a few questions about his experience, and here’s what he shared with us.
What inspired you to start volunteering with us?
“Some time in 2020 / 2021 I was unhappy and stressed out about the state of the U.S. and decided that even though I had very little control over the bigger picture, I could make a difference in my community and hopefully make a small part of the world better. I'm appalled that in this day and age that people go hungry and can't get enough food for their families. I wanted to volunteer to help get food to the people who needed it, and heard about the Redmond School Break Food Box Program and asked if they needed volunteers. They said yes, and the rest is history :)”
What’s been your favorite part of volunteering?
“Getting to know Kristen, Karene and Alexandra and learning more about them as people, being amazed at how well they run the program and how much effort and work they put into making everything happen. They are truly amazing!”
A memorable moment?
“For privacy reasons I don't have much interaction with the clients that I deliver to, but a couple of times people have thanked me, or one older gentleman offered to help get the boxes from my car (I declined and suggested that it would make more sense for me to get the boxes just inside his door, and he could then put them away), and several times kids have come to the door and were really excited to help bring everything inside :)”
What do you do when you’re not volunteering?
“Walking, hiking (need more of this!), photography and reading. And dogs :)”
What have you learned since you started?
“It has been incredibly rewarding to know that the program, and therefore all of us volunteers, are making a real difference in the lives of many families. Even in Redmond, there is definitely a need.”
We’re grateful for volunteers like Erich who step up, not just to help fill boxes, but to bring care, connection, and hope to our neighbors. Thank you, Erich, for being part of this important work!
