UNION GAP -- Most people go to Old Country Buffet for the food. Rachel Deloza goes there for the people.

She's a volunteer ambassador for the restaurant, helping with hospitality and community outreach through a number of local programs. She and her husband, Manuel -- who owns Delotec Auto Body Repair and Painting in Yakima -- spend their off hours working with area schools, churches and gyms, as well as with youth and senior programs.

That takes all-you-can-eat planning and energy, because Rachel's also a surgical nurse and hospice volunteer.

Still, according to Deb Berger, the buffet's hospitality and marketing manager, Rachel, Manuel and their son Kristiano (who sometimes dresses as Old Country Buffet's familiar "Bee" mascot) are there week after week for causes like the Yakima Police Athletic League, Children's Village, Old Town Days, National Night Out, local athletic events and other community gatherings.

Why do Rachel and her family do it?

Here's their explanation:

Old Country Buffet is also our featured Seize the Deal this week. Starting Friday at 8:30 a.m., a limited number of meals for two adults and two children -- normally worth $35.82 -- are available for $17.91.

 

 

More From 92.9 The Bull