Karen Long has been a Food Bank supporter for more than a decade, and she’s passionate about ending hunger in Alameda County.
Through volunteering in our warehouse, answering calls on our Helpline, and donating regularly, Karen has found many ways to put her passion to work.
“[Volunteering on the helpline] has been really positive. People appreciate getting help and getting food. And I feel like I’ve done something specific to help people,” said Karen.
And, she continues to find new ways to support our community.
After Karen turned 70 ½, she learned that she was required to withdraw money from her IRA account under the rule for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and those funds would be taxed. Deciding she didn’t need the additional income, Karen wanted to donate her RMD.
She was thrilled to learn that she could easily transfer her RMD to nonprofits and wouldn’t need to pay taxes on those withdrawals. She split her RMD donation between ACCFB and the Oakland Library, organizations that are most important to her.
“It’s nice to be able to do more than volunteer because I know resources are limited and there’s so much need in the community,” she said.
Karen hears stories of that need every Monday when she’s volunteering on our Helpline and directing neighbors to partner agencies where they can pick up food. She said that while it feels good connecting people with groceries, it’s comforting to know she also helps provide healthy meals.
Thank you, Karen, for all you do to support a hunger-free Alameda County.
Click here to learn more about giving through an IRA or call Anjali Englund at 1-510-875-7845.
