Today’s Local to Know interview is sponsored by United Way of King County. United Way is working together with our neighbors towards a racially just community where people have homes, students graduate, and families are financially stable. This holiday season, we believe thegood gets better when we give.
Who are you? What do you do?
I’m the Food Security Impact Manager overseeing the Community Food Fund at United Way of King County.
What’s a project you’re working on and how can our readers help you with it?
United Way of King County offers free tax preparation to Seattle’s low-and-moderate-income residents. We are seeking intake and remote volunteers plus onsite tax preparers. Go to our website to learn more and become a volunteer!
How are other community-based organizations supporting this work?
Community-based organizations are opening their sites to serve neighbors in various communities across King County.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is identifying gaps in current service offerings and collaborating with community partners to bridge those gaps.
Erika with some of the seniors United Way serves in the Chinese International District.
What are you looking forward to next year?
I am looking forward to summer afternoons on the Sound and our Annual Community BBQ in Renton.
Wax poetic for a minute and tell us: what brings you most alive about this community?
The grit and heart of the community gives me hope and brings me joy. Folks are passionate about change, support causes near to their hearts, and engage in advocacy to impact change.
What’s your favorite Seattle activity to do around the holidays?
My favorite Seattle activity to do around the holidays is enjoying Snowflake Lane Parade. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll take a weekend drive to Leavenworth Christmastown.
If you could give any one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
Be kind, be neighborly. Show compassion.