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SEATTLE — Sensing the conversation on a recent first date would not naturally evolve into a discussion about his work at a local soup kitchen, Brad Reynolds, a selfless investment banker, ordered soup in an effort to move easily into dialogue about his benevolent endeavor.

“Of course, I’ve been volunteering at a soup kitchen for almost a year,” said a casual Reynolds, who began volunteering his time to the Phinney Neighborhood Association soup kitchen in November 2007. “You just feel so bad because you want to do more. But I know that my money won’t help. What they really need is chicken soup.”

Reynolds regularly donates one hour every Saturday to pick up a ladle and dip soup for the hungry. “I enjoy the work,” added Reynolds, who is considering devoting more time to working his volunteering efforts into conversations with women. “It’s a great way to help the needy without actually touching them.”

Reynolds has ordered soup before as a method of turning first date conversations towards his volunteer work. “I think it’s just important anyone I might get involved with knows about my passion and knows my dedication to it,” said the single 34-year-old, who has missed soup-dipping duties only three times in the past two months.

Phinney Neighborhood Association volunteer coordinator Beth Shinn said Reynolds has been a welcome addition to the small soup kitchen, which serves up to 200 meals each week. “It’s great to have Brad around. He always offers to reach the stuff on the top shelf. With the addition of his hour of help every week, our board is discussing some pretty aggressive expansion plans.”

“I don’t mean to be annoying by bringing it up, but I think it’s an important part of who I am,” Reynolds said. “I mean, how many people are as willing as I am to serve food to people for practically nothing in return?”

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