After six years of overseeing the operations of the Medical Lake Food Bank, director Peg James is resigning from her position and is preparing to move out of the city.
James became the food bank director in 2009 after she took over for Fran and Ron Smith. She started volunteering because the need was “so great.” After some encouragement from the rest of the volunteers, she took over as director. Many in the community have praised James’ ability to multi-task, as well as her compassion for the food banks’ volunteers and clients.
James is leaving Medical Lake because her best friend, who lives in Sparks, Nev., is experiencing some health problems.
“I’m moving down there to help and be there for her,” James said. “My heart was kind of heavy. It was a big and difficult decision to leave (Medical Lake), but it was the right one.”
James is recovering from back surgery and has done most of her managing the food bank from home.
The food bank has undergone several changes since James became 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. It has also become a training center for other food banks. Second Harvest Food Bank sends new volunteers to Medical Lake for training. James is quick to attribute the food bank’s success to its volunteers and the community.
In addition to being the food bank director, James has served on several local committees and organizations, including the Planning Commission, a position she took over in 2011. In February, she received the 2014 Medical Lake Kiwanis Senior Citizen of the Year.
“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.”
Jan Bailey, Medical Lake Food Bank Association president, said the association is looking for James’ replacement. She, like many in Medical Lake quickly gravitated to James when she first came to the city.
“We hit it off so well,” Bailey said. “I told her ‘if we had met earlier in life, we’d be best friends.’ She is a wonderful pillar in the community.”
Bailey explained that the new director will need to have volunteer experience. They will also have to be able to distribute the food and manage the volunteers.
“We’ll need someone who has a big heart and the time to do everything,” Bailey said.
James said being the director for the Medical Lake Food Bank is one of the most rewarding things she’s done.
“Whoever becomes the new director will pick up on that feeling,” James said.
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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