Cheers for volunteers

Bill Baldwin, a Whitefish resident since age five, does his volunteering at the North Valley Food Bank, in Whitefish.

The old adage that behind every good man is a good woman is especially true in Bill's case.

He and Betty, his wife of 57 years, have five children, 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She, too, has volunteered at the food bank since its early stages.

Back then, Bill helped out when he could, but since his retirement from the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. in 1989 , the Food Bank has been the focus of his attention.

Each week he spends at least 20 hours traveling 200 miles contacting stores, restaurants and individuals gathering up to 5,000 pounds of food, then helps to package and distribute it.

The food bank, which is operated entirely by volunteers, distributes from two to three tons of food to as many as 150 families per week, many of whom are shut-ins.

Bill gets great satisfaction from his work. In his words, "When people you don't even know are so thankful that they come up and hug you, it makes you feel awfully good."

He describes with heartfelt emotion the good feeling that comes from providing food to a family in need, and from seeing how much they appreciate it.

"It just makes you want to do more - I don't think I'll ever quit," Bill says.

Bill, you have added immeasurably to the well-being of our community by helping our less fortunate members, and we thank you. We, too, hope you never quit.

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail jheckathorn@centurytel.net.