Cool Kids: 7-year-old volunteers at food bank

When a volunteer for the Mead Food Bank had to leave early one Wednesday evening a few months ago, the remaining volunteers reshuffled their schedules and filled the gap.

This seems like a mundane topic. But in this case, the volunteer stepping up to fill in was only 7 years old and in the first grade.

Grifn Renford is energetic and enthusiastic and is, according to food bank coordinator and founder Bette Monahan, “a wonderful volunteer. He’s perfect for the job. Already at his age, he is very perceptive about this job. He sees the whole picture already at 7.”

Grifn has been volunteering at the Mead Food Bank, located in the building that houses Mead United Methodist Church, for nearly two months.

Monahan works as an aide in his former first-grade classroom at Farwell Elementary School. She mentioned to the class one day that she runs the food bank and works there each Wednesday evening.

Grifn was intrigued by the idea of helping and approached Monahan, who agreed to let him help out. Since then, Grifn rarely has missed a Wednesday evening double shift.

When asked what the best part of his volunteer job is, Grifn answers, “Helping people who need food.

“I work on dairy and fruit and protein. I give those types of food to the customers. I’ve been working here about a month and a half. I thought it would be fun, and it is.”

Amy Renford recalls picking up her son after his first shift – his happy demeanor and his comment about the job.

“He told me, ‘It makes my heart feel good to help people,’ ” she said.

Grifn’s parents and brother also take turns working at the food bank, but none as frequently as Grifn. However, the now second-grader still finds time to do many other things, too.

Grifn enjoys flag football, baseball and wrestling. His summer plans include a family trip to Silverwood Theme Park and to Camp Reed, and his future plans include being an artist.

What Grifn would like the public to know about his volunteer job is simple:

“I’m still glad to be here,” he says with a wide grin.

Mead Food Bank, 12611 N. Wilson, operates each Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. It serves ZIP codes 99208, 99218, 99005 and 99021.

To volunteer or to get more information, contact the Mead Food Bank at 466-7068.