This week we are highlighting our volunteer, Rebecca Rees! Rebecca is a food pantry volunteer and has been helping here at HCCM for almost a year! She describes herself as a child of God first and foremost, who deeply values family and helping others. Next month, she will be celebrating 26 wonderful years of marriage to her husband. They have two amazing grown kids with big hearts, and also share life with two sweet, silly beagles. With more time now that her kids are grown, she wanted to give back. Since Hill Country Community Ministries is connected to her church, it felt like the perfect place to serve and make a real difference.
Becca has a Hawaiian heritage, from her father, tracing her roots back to King Kahekili, through my great-great-grandmother and my great-great-grandfather who descends from the Kauai kings. During my eighth-grade year, we moved to Honolulu to connect more deeply with my dad’s side of the family. While there, I not only learned our rich history, but also learned some Hawaiian language and gained an understanding of it. I embraced local customs, culture, and hula, and even learned Pidgin, which combines the different ethnic influences on the island. Essentially, borrowed words from different local languages. I still have dear family on the island of Oahu.
One of the most rewarding moments for Becca was when a little boy, clearly ecstatic, asked for pizza. She knew we didn't have any after inventory but checked again for the boy's sake. Right as she was about to tell him, a co-volunteer opened a delivery box, and a pizza was right on top. When she gave it to him, he shouted, "Finally!" He held it, even buckled in his car seat, saying he couldn't wait to eat it. His dad was touched, too. Moments like that remind her how much joy children bring and making them happy is the best feeling.
Becca describes the teamwork and volunteer community at this pantry as a hard-working bunch who love each other's company. “We laugh, we joke, and we get the job done in a productive, supportive environment. We work well together, look out for one another, and stay focused on our common goal. I love being part of this team, and the staff are truly great. “
Trivia questions for Becca:
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Brownies and cookies, hands down!
If you had to be in a reality TV show, which one would it be?
The Amazing Race!!
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Jesus, because I have so many questions...and I wanna hug Him.
What’s one thing on your bucket list you haven’t done yet?
Ziplining
If you could master any new skill instantly, what would it be?
Multiple languages
Becca says” To me, this pantry is love. Beyond the bags of food, it's about the warm smiles, hugs, kindness, and making sure every neighbor leaves feeling deeply seen and cherished. We aren't just filling cupboards. We're nourishing souls and making sure no one walks the path alone. It's about making sure our neighbors' precious pets are fed and cared for, too. We're here to help nourish every soul, two-legged or four, so that no one in our community ever feels alone.”
Aloha, Becca! (Lepeka – her Hawaiian name)
We love and appreciate Becca’s heart and service to our pantry and our community!!
