The Week of Tom
By Jade Fisher, Communications Specialist
Tom under a colorful banner that reads “WE LOVE YOU TOM!”
Walking up to the food bank, I wave to Tom who's busy rolling a pushcart outside of the warehouse. He's looking down and doesn't quite see the wave. As I walk closer to the back door, Tom exclaims with a huge smile "Jade! I can't believe it - I almost missed you there! How's it going, how are ya doing?"
That's Tom. Someone who can't fathom missing a single opportunity to make you feel welcome and seen. Someone who's hardwired to give everyone an enthusiastic greeting and the kind of chat that makes you feel like you've been best friends for decades.
It is that exact compassion and warmth we will miss - as today is Tom’s last day with Ballard Food Bank before he retires!
Over the last ten years, you could reliably find Tom Hendrickson helping unload trucks, catching up with the neighboring grocery store staff while recovering food, collecting carts, going block by block helping us keep our neighbors' spaces free of trash, working amicably with clients in the community market to help them get what they need on their shopping visits, making our community smile with his festive holiday outfits and more!
Tom is foundational to Ballard Food Bank - often cited by many as the heartbeat of the place. He knows his way around every bit of the warehouse and he creates a wonderful environment within it. He's patient and kind. Especially with teenage volunteers. He's a great teacher to all. He finds joy in the simple things. Like sorting food in his special food sorting corner, which staff member Lena has now honored with a plaque. He even had a knack for breaking down boxes.
Heidi, volunteer manager said, "You can often find him breaking down boxes of butter. You could turn around and he's just there with a box of butter. If there was butter to be done, Tom was doing it."
In addition to working full time at Ballard Food Bank, Tom has kept up with a vibrant life. From Tae Kwon Do practice to heavy metal band sessions. Tom is highly revered for his versatility and zest for life. He makes the most of every single day. That energy is what draws people to him.
This week we honored Tom for the work he's done to bring food, hope, and JOY to our neighbors over the last ten years. We have immense gratitude for the decade of genuine friendships, quirky quips, great knowledge and skill in the warehouse, and his concern for others.
Our community rallied in celebration of Tom. We wore stickers of Tom’s face. The food bank was covered with "Tom-atoes". We had a blast preparing for the endearingly titled, "Week of Tom." To celebrate this momentous occasion and transition in Tom's life we threw a huge party in the Kindness Café with pizza, dessert, speeches, and fun games like "Pin the Crate on Tom." Even the Walgreens attendant who helped us print the posters of Tom recognized him as "the really nice guy who comes here all the time!"
It's evident that Tom makes a huge impact on everyone he interacts with through kindness, genuine curiosity, and care for those around him. Kindness and care are Tom's superpowers. We hope he enjoys this period of rest and relaxation while also keeping up with that vibrant life of his.
Thank you, Tom! We cherish this special time, we feel so lucky to have shared space and joy with you over the last ten years. We hope you enjoy these photos and words of gratitude from our community.
"It was amazing to see our incredible community come together last night in celebration of Tom … Over the past 10 years I have viewed Tom as the energizer bunny. He just keeps going and going. Many of us have commented that Tom is the heartbeat of the organization – I liken it to the drumbeat. His tempo goes unmatched and with it he brings humor, joy, and offers a sense of belonging that makes every single person feel valued. Tom has made an incredible impact on our community and I wish him all the best on his retirement journey." - Jen Muzia, Executive Director
"Tom, you have an amazing ability to make every person you meet feel included and valued. Your encouragement and hospitality are such gift. I am so glad I got to know you. You are going to LOVE retirement and spreading that joy to even more lucky people" - Sonja R., Volunteer
"Crate organizer extraordinaire, winner of the most cheerful morning greetings award, and clear frontrunner for most food bank mileage traveled by foot - Tom, you are the MOST fun and positive presence at the food bank, and by golly, do you deserve to put those busy feet up!!! Enjoy your incredibly well-deserved retirement. You make BFB the welcoming and wonderful place that it is for so many people. WE WILL MISS YOU!" - Lena Hart-Bundy, Food Recovery Program Manager
"I hope you know how deeply I respected you. You have taught me so many ways to be kind and gentle rather than just saying “No”. I will miss you and your quirky charm. You are one in a million!" - Beth B., Volunteer
"Since my summer 2023 internship at the Ballard Food Bank, you’ve been a reliable source of positive energy and hustle mindset - I appreciate your dedication to saying hello and making conversation even when you’re busy as a bee. Thank you for curating a sense of belonging at BFB ~ best wishes in retirement" - Spencer N., Volunteer
"You are an endless source of smiles and laughter. The positive impact that you have on every person whom crosses your path is nothing short of profound. In this world you are a beaming ray of sunshine even on the darkest days. To say you will be missed doesn't seem to reflect the true feeling. You deserve every second of happiness and rest in your retirement, I know you will make it spectacular. We look forward to the days you will visit this place that loves you so." -Brianna Sherman, Kindness Café Supervisor