Peg James was named the 2014 Medical Lake Kiwanis Senior Citizen of the Year for the time and effort she has put in at the Medical Lake food bank at its director.
Peg James has never sought recognition for the time she put in at the Medical Lake food bank over the years but that did not stop the spotlight from being shined on her.
James, food bank director, was named the 2014 Medical Lake Kiwanis Senior Citizen of the Year Feb. 14 at the 31st annual Kiwanis Senior Citizen Valentine's Day Dinner.
She became the 33rd recipient of the award and will also be recognized in the 2015 Medical Lake Founder's Day parade.
James took over the food bank from Fran and Ron Smith back in 2009 after she retired from United Airlines.
"I went to the food bank and started volunteering because the need was so great," James said. "Fran and Ron approached me to take over. I was hesitant but the rest of the volunteers ragged on me until I finally said 'yes.' It's been one of the best decisions I've made in my life."
A community member or a local organization nominates candidates for the award. Kiwanis member Dan Dorshorst, while reading the letter that nominated James, explained that she cares as much about her volunteers as she does the clients. The letter also described James as being a great multi-tasker and having both an amazing attitude and a lot of team spirit.
"Everyone at the food bank feels welcome," Dorshorst said.
The food bank has undergone several changes since James has been the director. In 2013, it moved from its old location at 211 N. Lefevre St., in the Care and Share thrift store, to its current location at 207 S. Washington St., next to the post office and library.
Medical Lake has also become a hub for training volunteers from other food banks. It serves local families and community members every Friday from 10 a.m. - noon.
In addition to being the food bank director, James has also served on several local committees. She is currently a part of the city's Planning Commission, a post she's had since 2011 when she took over for Joyce Calloway.
"We don't do this for recognition," James said during her acceptance speech. "Everyone has a motive for what they do. For some it's a calling. We all do it for different reasons."
For James, the award was a surprise but she is happy to be a part of such a great community.
"The success of the food bank is a testament to the support of the community," James said.
Most of all she is thankful for the volunteers who devote their time at the food bank.
"We have 26 volunteers who have worked over 50 hours in the past year," James said. "It is my distinct pleasure to be the quarterback of that team."
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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