10 WHO CARED: One-time food bank recipient becomes a valued volunteer

When Drew Butler arrived in Bellingham three years ago to help with a fledgling nonprofit business, he was living with friends and had no paying job. But he had a desire to work and a commitment to his new community.

As he waited in line for supplies with dozens of others at the Bellingham Food Bank, he realized that the Great Recession had created an immense need for social services, especially nutritious food. He knew that he could be helping the organization that was putting food on his table.

"I didn't have any income, but I did have a lot of time," Butler said. "I thought that with the recession there were a lot of people in need. I fell in love with what the organization does."

Now, Butler is one of the food bank's most dependable volunteers, said Mike Cohen, executive director of the Bellingham Food Bank.

Cohen cited Butler as a consistent worker, a "genuine person" with a great sense of humor -- a volunteer who's a true ambassador for the Food Bank.

"His ethics and values come across as an energetic and mature young guy," Cohen said.

Once a week about 7:30 a.m., Butler arrives at the Food Bank to begin driving a truck for food pickups at supermarkets around town. He's generally finished by 11 a.m., and then drives back to unload the donations with other volunteers.

Besides picking up donations, Cohen said Butler helps train new volunteers and makes suggestions on how certain tasks can be done more efficiently.

"He's really adding to the Bellingham community through his other work," Cohen said. "It's these sorts of folks who really add to the community."

Butler, 27, is program coordinator of the Boys' Explorers' Program at Wild Whatcom, a local group that aims to get boys outside and connect them to nature through local hikes and other recreational activities. He also works seasonally with the Snow Goose environmental-education program in Bellingham schools that teaches sixth-graders about marine ecology through boat trips on Bellingham Bay.

Originally from Everett, Butler earned a bachelor's degree in recreation from Western Washington University. He left town after graduation, but returned to Bellingham at the prospect of helping Wild Whatcom get started.

"I grew up playing in the woods," he said. "I love that connection to the outdoors."

Still, his work at the Food Bank remains important.

"I really enjoy working for them," Butler said. "As a volunteer, I feel really appreciated."

10 WHO CARED

For the last 10 days of 2011, The Bellingham Herald salutes Whatcom County people who help make our community a great place to live.

Dec. 22: Chuck and Dee Robinson.

Dec. 23: Louise Sager.

Dec. 24: Ron Buchinski.

Dec. 25: Melissa Brulotte.

Dec. 26: Rick Tremaine.

Dec. 27: Courtney Cloud.

Dec. 28: Ron Cowan.