Chuck Sonner, formerly a driver for one of Lewis County’s largest food drives, became the volunteer director of the Winlock-Vader food bank when the former husband and wife team – well into their 80s – were ready to pass the baton. Since then, Chuck and his crew of 13 volunteers support 35% of the population of Winlock-Vader, an average of 750 individuals.
After the food bank lost over $5,000 in annual funding because of the closure of the local Sacred Heart Catholic Church, it was clear to Chuck that he needed new sources of revenue to cover the food bank’s rent and utilities.
The food bank was located in the basement on the corner of First & Fir, while the businesses above had been vacant for years. In the past, one of the spaces had been a thrift store and Chuck had the idea to revitalize this space and have the proceeds fund the food bank to make up for their losses. Then he had the idea to include a deli that could serve as a central hub to the community. The board gave their okay and Chuck rolled up his sleeves. “Being a classic type-A, I never want to fail,” he said. Then, Sonner and a crew of volunteers worked tirelessly using repurposed materials and their own sweat equity to bring the Rowdy Rooster deli and the thrift store to fruition.
Now a bustling homey hub, the Rowdy Rooster has a space for community meetings. They serve a simple menu for breakfast and lunch, and even has regulars that come for their favorite specialties. The volunteers in the very tidy thrift store routinely rotate items and seasonal clothing. Rowdy Rooster is now a gathering place where community comes together. During our interview a man walked in and handed Chuck a drill. When Chuck asked how much he owed him the man said “Happy Birthday” and walked out. A woman came in looking for Chuck. She said her elderly neighbor who cares for her 18-year-old autistic grandson was out of firewood and needed some to get through the month: Chuck made a note and said he would have it delivered.
While the food bank receives goods from Food Lifeline, NW Harvest, Walk and Knock and the Lewis County Food Bank Coalition, Chuck dreams for more. He envisions this being a Resource Center. This way, if someone loses everything in a fire, they have a place to go to get whatever they need, as well as hope during their hard time. His goal is to work with local faith-based organizations and civic groups to make this happen. Meanwhile, the new deli and thrift store proceeds are trending to exceed their annual expectations. Chuck closed our interview with these wise words, “I’ve never had a need like some others do. If we don’t take care of our community, who will?”
The Governor's Volunteer Service Award honors some of Washington's most dedicated individuals and groups for their commitment to volunteerism as the foundation for caring communities and a thriving Washington. Selected recipients are invited to attend an award ceremony at the Executive Mansion on April 11, 2017. Honorees are also invited to the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday evening, April 11, 2017, for 'Salute to Volunteers Night' - a special night to recognize all volunteers.