News : Faces of Benton County Nominee: Renee Graham

MEET RENEE GRAHAM, a young advocate working to address food insecurity and hunger in Benton County!

Renee is the second nominee for Faces of Benton County. She is a 16-year-old sophomore at Vinton-Shellsburg High School and lives in Garrison with her mom Rondalyn and her brother Jake.

Renee was nominated by Erin Monaghan who, along with Barb Rego, started the mobile food pantry at Wesley United Methodist Church seven years ago.

"For years, Renee has been a regular volunteer for the monthly food distribution at Wesley," Erin wrote on Renee's nomination form. "She is always friendly and helpful and shows great kindness to everyone."

Renee first began volunteering at the Wesley pantry as part of her confirmation service hours when she was in the eighth grade, but she has continued to volunteer in the years since strictly by her own volition.

"It's a great atmosphere to be in," Renee said when asked why she has kept up her service to the pantry. "I love helping people and knowing I am making a positive impact in the community."

It can sometimes be difficult to recruit young people for volunteer opportunities outside of required service hours, Erin explained, so she and Barb greatly appreciate how active Renee is at the pantry.

"I just continue doing it because it's a fun experience," Renee replied.

Renee also volunteers with the summer elementary lunch program at Tilford Elementary School in Vinton, as well with her grandpa Ron Albright at the American Legion.

She thinks volunteering now as a young person will only benefit her in the years ahead.

"It's a great way to better understand the workforce-communication, teamwork, and other skills."

One day Renee hopes to become an audiologist or a speech pathologist "to help people hear better than they're currently hearing and overcome obstacles."

"I met Renee when she was not even three-years-old," Barb said when told of Renee's nomination. "She is so helpful. We couldn't do what we do without our volunteers."