Meet Summer and Brad Stech, a San Diego couple who gives back to their community by volunteering as a family. 

Brad and Summer have been long time friends. Both attended the same middle school and high school in San Antonio, Texas. In high school both ran with the same crowd and ended up having theatre class together. Once in college, Brad was the one who made the first move by asking their mutual friend for Summer’s name and number. (This mutual friend was also the one who officiated their marriage a few years later). 

Summer started volunteering at Mama’s Kitchen in the year 2000. Summer was always involved in volunteer work while living in San Antonio. She knew it was always going to be a part of her life. Shortly after moving to San Diego, Summer and Brad attended City Fest in Hillcrest and stumbled upon Mama’s Kitchen volunteer booth. The current Volunteer Coordinator explained to Summer what the organization was about and the mission, and she knew that she had found the right place. Their first route was in University Heights.  

To this day they continue to deliver throughout City Heights with their three boys! 

Having been a part of Mama’s Kitchen for 20+ years, the couple (and kids) have been able to develop special friendships with a variety of clients. The couple’s favorite part is being able to see when the client’s health improves, “We’ve been able to see the benefits of Mama’s Kitchen firsthand.” 

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, roughly 63 million Americans volunteer 8 billion hours of their time, talent, and effort to improve other people’s lives and the world.  

By volunteering as a family, your little ones can benefit in the following ways: 

• Learn a sense of responsibility 
• Make a difference within their community  
• Learn empathy for people of different backgrounds 

• Develop job skills for the future 
• Learn how to wisely fill idle time 

 If you, your partner, or family is interested in delivering meals to critically ill San Diegans apply to volunteer today and attend our next virtual orientation.