Associates in Yuma, Arizona, take hunger relief to the next level.
For Walmart store managers Otilia Condie (Oti for short) and Kevin Ladek in Yuma, Arizona, serving the community goes far beyond the checkout line. Their dedication to fighting food insecurity has turned into a movement, one that brings together associates from across the region to support the Yuma Community Food Bank in a big way.
Kevin, a former chair of the Yuma Community Food Bank board, recently passed the torch to Oti, and together, they’ve transformed what started as individual store efforts into a market-wide mission. Through volunteer events, hands-on support and Walmart’s Spark Good volunteerism program, they are not only making an impact but inspiring others to do the same.
The why behind the work
Kevin initially joined the food bank board to fulfill a community involvement requirement, but what started as a checkbox quickly turned into a passion.
“I planned to serve for one year,” he recalls. “That evolved into two, and then suddenly, I’d maxed out at nine. It hit especially close to home when I learned people I knew had relied on the food bank at some point in their lives. That changed everything.”
Oti’s motivation is deeply personal.
“I was born and raised just across the border [in Mexico]. My parents did a great job, but I know firsthand how hard it can be to provide for a family. Now, as a Walmart store manager, I have so many more tools and resources to help fight hunger in our community, and that brings me joy, especially when it comes to providing for children.”
Mobilizing volunteers
Providing opportunities for associates to help at the food bank has become second nature to Oti and Kevin. Associates have volunteered their time to help pack meals, clean up facilities and even lend a hand in painting — they will be adding a Walmart spark to the food bank’s walls later this month.
Each bin filled provides 720 meals. During a recent event, they packed a whopping 27 bins — over 19,940 meals in just four hours!
“When we go down there, anywhere from 18 to 25 associates will choose to join,” Kevin shares. “Walmart associates being who they are— organized, efficient and driven — exceed every expectation. The food bank staff is always amazed at how much we can get done in a short amount of time.”
Their efforts go beyond physical labor. Walmart’s Spark Good volunteerism program allows the company to match eligible volunteer hours with grants, providing essential resources like pallet jacks. Oti also leverages Walmart’s local social media to recruit additional volunteers when the food bank is in need.
Building a stronger community
What started as a partnership between two store managers has grown into a network of Walmart and Sam’s Club associates across the region working together for a common cause. And the benefits extend beyond hunger relief.
From running stores to rallying communities, Oti and Kevin are proving that Walmart associates aren’t just working in Yuma — they’re working for Yuma.
“It’s one way our associates meet each other,” Oti explains. “They become one team at the food bank. Then, when we have open positions inside the store, they recognize each other, and we see hiring opportunities come from it.”
Inviting others to Join
Each year, Walmart and Sam’s Club engage our customers, members and suppliers to fight hunger in communities across the U.S. through the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign. Every dollar raised at stores such as Oti's and Kevin’s stays local to support Feeding America network food banks like the Yuma Community Food Bank.
According to Feeding America, Walmart and Sam’s Club locations in the area raised more than $48,000 for Yuma Community Food Bank last year and hope to exceed that amount this year.
To learn more about this year’s campaign and how you can pitch in, head to OneWalmart.
Moments that matter
For both Oti and Kevin, some of the most powerful moments come from seeing the direct impact of their work.
Kevin recalls a former CEO of the food bank who asked patrons to write their stories on paper plates and display them on the walls. “Reading those stories was the moment it really sunk in for me. I still keep some of those plates as a reminder of why we do this.”
Oti shares that seeing families receive food is emotional for her. “I remember a grandmother with a young child. The child was so excited about a certain food item, knowing it was going home with them. Hunger affects children differently. Seeing their joy and relief makes it all worth it.”
From running stores to rallying communities, Oti and Kevin are proving that Walmart associates aren’t just working in Yuma — they’re working for Yuma. And with every meal packed, every volunteer recruited and every family helped, they’re making a lasting difference.
