Kelli Evans

Appeal-Democrat

Name: Kelli Evans.

Age: 28.

Family: Husband, Tim Taylor.

Residence: Live Oak.

Occupation: Farmer.

How long have you lived in the Yuba-Sutter area? My whole life.

Hobbies, interests: I like gardening, competition flower arranging, scrapbooking, sewing, camping and fishing.

For what groups do you volunteer? This is about my fourth year doing a fresh produce program for senior citizens at the Gridley Moose Lodge, producing and giving away fresh produce to seniors living in Live Oak and Gridley. I farm 230 acres of rice and have a 10,000-foot garden and a green house, and I also accept donated produce from others for the program. There's too many people who have gardens and produce more produce than you can eat and then what do you do with that?

We gave away produce to about 245 persons a week this last year — I have help from a friend and my mom to hand deliver the produce. I have a waiting list of seniors interested in the program, but currently I don't have enough space to store produce during the week. It kills me having a waiting list.

I saw the need for the fresh produce program. Most senior citizens are on fixed incomes and the cost of produce is getting higher. It's all my love for agriculture, plants, helping the community and preserving the community and its heritage.

I've been a member of the Gridley Moose Lodge since I was 21. I joined for the volunteering and the projects they do. The lodge helps out people.

I have been a member of the Sutter Buttes Garden Club for three years. Last year was my first year in charge of the Flower Building at the fairgrounds in Yuba City. During the fair we were trying to educate the public more and getting them more involved in gardens and plants. Each day we had different things, gave out free information and books. We were trying to get the public more excited about gardening, plants and produce.

In the past I organized a bunco game for the American Cancer Society.

I have always been a volunteer, starting about in high school. I realized how fortunate I was and the need to help others.

How do you fit it into your schedule? Luckily I am able to, for the most part, make my own schedule. My husband and I are passionate about helping others. I just make it a priority.

Words of advice: At least try once to volunteer because that's pretty much all you need to make you realize you need to make more time. There's always going to be someone or something that needs help. When you get the joy of helping others you realize it is one of the best feelings ever. It's very addicting.

Quote: "I feel fortunate with my life and (that I) should share my good fortune with others."

Volunteer of the Week runs Tuesdays. To submit the name of a volunteer to be featured, contact Community Editor Leticia Gutierrez at 749-6552.