[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 76 (Tuesday, June 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO RUTH VELOZO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2001

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, a remarkable individual is planning to 
retire next month after 34 years of dedicated serve to the hungry and 
the homeless in my District. Ruth Velozo, executive director of 
Northwest Harvest, a statewide food program, is stepping down at the 
age of 72. Ms. Velozo began working for Northwest Harvest in 1967 and 
became executive director in 1980. As a result of her guidance and hard 
work, the agency grew from an ecumenical ministry with a debt of 
$35,000 to a $20 million dollar a year charity.
  Last year, Northwest Harvest collected and distributed 16.5 million 
pounds of food to the poor and the hungry. Northwest Harvest has four 
distribution centers in the state through which food is donated to 283 
hunger programs.
  Mr. Speaker, Ruth Velozo grew up during the Great Depression. She 
learned the devastation of poverty and hunger. Through America's 
prosperous upswings and economic downturns, she never abandoned her 
determination to help those who are left out. She has dedicated her 
life not only to feeding people, but to furthering her core values: 
maintaining the dignity of the poor, and an unwavering belief in the 
basic generosity of people.
  Ms. Velozo has said that in a perfect world, she would step down 
because there is no longer a need for Northwest Harvest's services. But 
sadly, more than 30,000 people ask for food at the main branch in 
Seattle each month, and Washington State ranks eighth amongst the 
states in those who suffer from hunger. The need would be much larger, 
however, had it not been for Ruth Velozo and her work. I hope you will 
join me, Mr. Speaker, in thanking her for her energy, for her 
leadership, and for her commitment.

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