Newsletter - 5-01-09

A Soldier's Story

I knew he was The One the moment he walked through the door. Tall, handsome, soft spoken yet firm, articulate and on time, he wore a clean pressed uniform representing his weekday job from which he was taking a few moments out to meet with me. He was well groomed and he displayed impeccable manners. "Thank you for coming, Edgar," I said as I motioned him into my office. He waited for me to sit down before taking a seat himself on the big tan couch. A few days earlier, Edgar's resume had jumped out at me immediately from the many filling my inbox. He was the only one I called. Not loving the interview process, I was secretly hoping I wouldn't have to look any further. I didn't. Edgar became Food Runners' weekend truck driver in November of 2007. He came to Food Runners as a 27-year old U.S. Army veteran having served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. During his first year in the army, he participated in active combat on the front lines. He managed to finish that tour blessedly uninjured. He continued his military service for five more years in the capacities of "11 Bravo" or construction engineer and, "88 Mike" or transportation Class A driver, driving 18 wheelers. At the time of his interview, Edgar was still serving in the National Guard as well as driving full time, Monday through Friday, delivering lab and pharmacy medication for the Veteran's Medical Center. Although the Food Runners position was only a few hours on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, it would mean that Edgar would be working seven days a week if he took the job. Naturally, this concerned me. "I'm married and I want to start a family and buy a house within the next few years," Edgar stated definitively in response to my concern. I couldn't think of a better motivation for a young man to be willing to work so hard. I called Food Runners founder Mary Risley saying I thought I'd found our man. Mary conducted Edgar's second interview and hired him on the spot.

I began training Edgar the following Saturday. It turned out that his hiring was more that just a good fit. It was serendipity. As we pulled up to Walden House 890, to deliver a large load of prepared foods donated by Trader Joe's on Masonic, Edgar's face lit up. "My dad stayed here back when he was homeless," he exclaimed. "My dad got clean and sober for good at this shelter. He's been clean and sober for sixteen years," Edgar remarked with pride. Together we marveled at the wonder of life coming full circle by chance. A little later that morning, serendipity struck again. When we delivered food from Trader Joe's on 9th St. to CATS Women's Shelter in SOMA, the woman working the front desk at CATS looked quizzically at Edgar for a moment. "I know you," she grinned in recognition. Edgar recognized her too. They hugged each other and laughed in amazement at their unexpected reunion. It seems that they knew each other because their families had attended the same church years before. Small world!

Since that first weekend, Edgar has done and continues to do a stellar job for Food Runners. "Edgar is so wonderful," affirms Marie the Food Coordinator for the All Saint's Episcopal Church Saturday Meal. "He always makes sure we get the things we need from the variety of food he brings. He's such a gentleman too. We love Edgar!" "Edgar is the best," recounts Pietra, the tenant rep at a low-income residence in the Tenderloin where Food Runners delivers every Saturday. "He always divides the food fairly between our building and our sister residence just down the street."

Edgar's hard work and dedication are paying off for more than just Food Runners. At this writing, Edgar stands a hairsbreadth from closing on a home and he and his lovely wife Marya are expecting their first child in July. Congratulations soldier and, thank you. Food Runners and the greater community salute you.

Food Runners picked up 110,165 pounds of food in the month of April. Volunteers performed 830 runs and the truck did 191. Please welcome April's 11 new volunteers all of whom have sallied forth multiple times already! Also welcome new donor Miette Cakes on Chestnut who donate the most amazing confections on a daily basis. Recipients' eyes always light up when they see the pink boxes from Miette coming their way. Speaking of recipients, please welcome new recipient Arnetta Watson Apartments, a low income residence that is part of San Francisco's Community Housing Partnership.

It's baseball season!! What does that mean for Food Runners? More food!! Food Runners picks up excess ballpark food from Bon Appetite Management Company after every home game. More food. More full bellies. Pass the mustard, please!

Is your local deli or grocery store throwing away food? Tell them about Food Runners. Food Runners is fast. It's easy and it's free. Most importantly, Food Runners makes a difference.

Nancy

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