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Twice a week, Kris Dreesen drives in from Fair Grove to spend her mornings sorting food for families facing hunger in the Ozarks. Her story with Ozarks Food Harvest began nearly 10 years ago when she was looking for a place to volunteer regularly.

“There are more people needing food than I realized. It makes me feel good knowing fresh food, frozen and canned goods are getting to people that need it,” she shared.

In the past, Kris worked at the Developmental Center of the Ozarks. DCO provides services that enable individuals to reach and maintain their optimal level of development. She helped develop homes for people with disabilities.

One of Kris’ favorite things about volunteering with Ozarks Food Harvest is the community. She has made many friends over the last decade. In her first days as a volunteer, Kris met Charles Foltz, who gave 3,000 hours to Ozarks Food Harvest in his lifetime. Kris, Charles and a few other volunteers used to refer to Ozarks Food Harvest’s old agency shopping room as the “Grocery Store.”

“When I started to work at the Grocery Store, I met Charles. On the third day I came in the Grocery Store, and Charles said ‘There’s my buddy.’ He called me that ever since. I miss Charles,” she said.

Kris also appreciates the volunteer team and how they serve Ozarks Food Harvest each and every day.

“When I walk in the door, I see a lot of friendly, happy faces. That makes my day. Ozarks Food Harvest is doing a wonderful job,” she expressed.

We are incredibly grateful Kris and the 2,155 hours of time she has chosen to donate to The Food Bank! To sign up to volunteer, visit ozarksfoodharvest.org/volunteer.