Volunteer Spotlight: Kiya Kernodle

I’ve been volunteering at SAFE for over 5 years. My favorite parts of volunteering are getting to know our neighbors and seeing the smiles on their faces. I also enjoy knowing that I am helping to better my community by making sure everyone has the opportunity to have a meal on their table. Food brings us together, and it’s meaningful to know I’m helping make that possible.

Something people might not know about me is that I run Kiya’s Cupcake Fundraiser, which helps support my community projects, such as buying bikes for refugee families, costumes for a special needs dance class, and restocking several free food pantries each month. I enjoy baking, volunteering with an all-abilities dance class, tutoring, and being involved as a state leader with 4-H.

SAFE is such a supportive, meaningful place to volunteer. You don’t just give your time, you also gain perspective, friendships, and the chance to make a real difference. Over the years, I’ve helped restock and organize the food pantry, check people in, held food drives, and helped with any task needed.