“Thanksgiving and Christmas are food-centric holidays, and we get a lot of donations then,” Kertis said. “But as we get toward summer those supplies start to diminish.” So Kertis and his team are looking head-on at the food shortage they see in the near future. “We have a heart to help people but we want to be efficient. It’s important for us to stretch donor dollars,” he said. Speaking of, he hopes the community will lend a hand. “People can go to our website and sign up to volunteer, or they can donate food. The charitable tax credit is also very beneficial for us. It’s helped us increase the amount of money we can use to buy food,” he said. “Plus, when you donate to St. Mary’s, you’re donating to about 680 other nonprofits in our state because we spread that food and those funds far and wide.” When he’s not distributing food, Kertis stays active. “I love to mountain bike. I like to golf, ski, do a little jet skiing and off-roading,” he said. But, as he walks through St. Mary’s greeting volunteers and staff with hearty hellos, it’s clear that he really enjoys his job. “It’s the greatest job I’ve ever had,” he said. “You’re not just feeding people, you’re changing their lives. Maybe even saving them.” To learn more, go to firstfoodbank.org . Gearing up for the summer months, St. Mary’s is thankful to donors who help keep the busy warehouse well stocked. 16 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | JUNE 2019 OFFICE DOORS CONTINUED