Eric is a life-long Bellinghamster and the second youngest of nine kids. He was also the second-to-last child born at the old North Bellingham Hospital before it closed. (His twin sister Sam was technically the last child born at the now defunct institution.) Growing up Eric and his siblings witnessed how hard it was for their mother to keep things going after their parents' divorce. As a single parent, she worked three jobs while also putting herself through college.

For 27 years Eric was employed at St. Joseph's Hospital, starting as an RN and eventually being promoted to nursing supervisor. With a twinkle in his eye, he says he was "pretty good at bossing folks around" while looking after his fellow nurses. Unfortunately, for most of his career, Eric was also living with cancer. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at age 22, Eric's gone through multiple rounds of chemotherapy. He's been in and out of remission so many times doctors are amazed and have written about his case in a medical journal.

Although he's a cancer survivor, eight years ago Eric was forced to go on disability. He downsized from a house to an apartment and sold his car. Three years ago he began coming to our food bank. Eric thinks the food here is "freaking amazing." He appreciates the fresh fruit, vegetables and the meat and other proteins. "I really like to cook, so it's wonderful to get such good stuff."

Eric also still likes to take care of others. Last November he turned the turkey and other food he received here into a Thanksgiving meal for his elderly neighbors who were on their own for the holiday. He says "I don't feel badly about having to come here because I need the food, and I've never looked down on others who use the food bank." 

Heroes aren't always flashy or larger than life. Some are more like Maya Angelou's kind of hero: "I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people." That's Benferd Rollins. A quiet and laid-back kind of guy, it's his kind and grounded presence that shines through. 

Benferd believes stability and kindness are key ingredients to happiness in life. He grew up in Spokane living with his parents, grandmother, and three sisters. He credits his parents for being calm and steady influences for him and his family. Benferd's younger sister Maggie was born with Down syndrome, and observing cruel behavior directed at Maggie by others had a profound impact on Benferd. It strengthened his resolve to protect others, and it also helped him grow into a person who encourages and embodies kindness.

Benferd is also a person with eclectic interests. He began his studies at The Evergreen State College in Olympia with a concentration in puppetry and storytelling. He later transferred to Western Washington University and received a degree in chemistry.

While he was a student at WWU, Benferd visited the food bank as a client. Now he volunteers in our prep room, carefully sorting the produce. Benferd works with a quiet focus yet he can also be an engaging conversationalist given his wide-ranging interests. When not at the food bank or cooking at Giuseppe's restaurant, Benferd enjoys music. He sings and plays guitar, but also shyly admits to knowing how to play the violin, dulcimer, mandolin and other instruments.

Benferd says he really enjoys the atmosphere of acceptance at the food bank and appreciates the diversity of experiences and opinions he encounters. Thank you Benferd for all you contribute and for helping to make this a better place for all of us.