A Family Tradition of Giving Back: Catching up with Sydney, Long-time Backpack Brigade Volunteer

We sat down with Sydney, a dedicated Backpack Brigade driver, to talk about how she’s made volunteering part of her life as a busy mom, what keeps her coming back, and why giving back has been so meaningful.

For Sydney, volunteering is about staying connected to something bigger than herself. “I have this need to give back,” she says. “It reminds me I’m contributing outside of my own household.”

In a world that often emphasizes individual success, she’s intentionally chosen to reach outward and stay grounded in community—even when the broader world feels overwhelming.

“Sometimes I feel frustrated with what’s happening in the world,” she explains. “But at least I can help make sure some kids have food. That’s something tangible.”

Volunteering Through Life’s Milestones

Sydney’s role with Backpack Brigade has evolved alongside her life.

She started out as a driver delivering meals, but during her pregnancy, she took a break due to the physical demands of lifting the meal crates. Not long after her son Eugene was born, she returned—this time as a weekend meal packer in the warehouse, with her baby strapped to her chest.

“I packed until he got too big for the carrier,” she says. “Then I switched back to driving.”

Now, Eugene comes along for deliveries, turning service into a shared experience.

“He’s basically been our tiniest volunteer,” she laughs.

Part of what has kept Sydney involved is the flexibility of the role.

“I’m home with my kid all day, and he doesn’t mind being in the car,” she explains.

“So I can still help without needing childcare.”

Driving allows her to give back in a way that works for her current season of life—something she doesn’t take for granted.

“Backpack Brigade has worked with me through different phases of my life, and that’s really meaningful.”

What Keeps Sydney Coming Back to Backpack Brigade

While delivering food is important, it’s the relationships that have left the biggest impression on Sydney.

When Sydney first began volunteering, she filled in as a substitute driver, delivering meals to different schools around King County every week. Eventually, she was assigned a consistent route—and that’s when something deeper began to form.

“You start to build relationships,” she says. “They know my kid, they ask about my life—it feels like a real community.”

Those connections have grown beyond casual interactions.

“One of the staff members got Eugene a birthday present,” she shares. “And there’s someone I talk to every week—we became actual friends. These are people I never would have met otherwise.”

Volunteering hasn’t just changed how Sydney spends her time—it’s changed the way she sees the world.

“I think I’m more outwardly focused now,” she says. “I’m more aware of things like food insecurity, which isn’t something I personally experience.” 

That awareness has deepened her empathy and strengthened her commitment to showing up.

Advice for First-Time Volunteers

Sydney is quick to point out how approachable the experience can be.

“There are clear instructions for everything, and everyone you meet is kind and welcoming,” she says. “It’s not as intimidating as it might seem.”

For anyone hesitant to get involved, her advice is simple and practical:

“Try driving,” she says. “You spend most of your time in your own car, listening to your own music.”

The Impact of Showing Up

At its core, volunteering gives Sydney something many of us are looking for: the feeling that we can make a difference.

“It feels good to be needed,” she says. “That might sound selfish, but it’s meaningful. It’s nice to have people rely on you beyond your family.”

For Sydney, volunteering is also a way to model those values for the next generation.

“I like showing my kid what it looks like to give back,” she says.

“I think that’s powerful.” And we couldn't agree more. Take after Sydney and explore our volunteering opportunities here!