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For 20 years, Mike W. worked as a finish carpenter supporting his wife and children. After a divorce and problems with alcohol, Mike lost his job. Eventually he ended up homeless and lived on and off in the wooded hills outside of Auburn for eight years.

While homeless, Mike relied on local food banks and churches for food. Grateful for the support of not only the food bank, but its volunteers and staff as well, he began volunteering to give back. He helped clean up after meals at the Monday night community suppers organized by United Way of King County grantee agency The Auburn Food Bank. Then he began to help with the agency's Wednesday grocery pickups.

He ultimately secured a job in construction and a place to live. Since he started working again he's been saving money, reconnecting with his family and rebuilding his life. "I'm not just passing time now," said Mike. "I am contributing to the community again."

Mike also continues to volunteer. Every Wednesday he picks up groceries to feed those in need. "When I was hired, I told my employers that this was a standing commitment in my schedule," Mike explained. Recently his family became a donor at the food bank's annual fundraising breakfast.

Even after years of being homeless and volunteering in the community Mike is constantly surprised by how many people depend on the food bank. He is also surprised by the generosity of businesses, community members and organizations like United Way that help ensure people in need have nutritious food to eat and enough of it, and a place to call home.

Last year United Way of King County helped provide 424,400 meals for hungry people in our community and connected more than 25,000 people to volunteer opportunities. You can help Mike and others like him by volunteering your time.

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