A Thousand Thanks
Volunteering is a critical component of the Chester County Food Bank’s efforts to mobilize the community to ensure access to real, healthy food. As we celebrate Global Volunteer Month in April and Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 16-22), we want to thank every volunteer that has given their time, talent, voice, and treasure to not only the Chester County Food Bank but to the many organizations across our communities. Thank you!
A special part of our appreciation celebration is to recognize volunteers that have contributed 50+ hours to the Food Bank over the past year. In compiling the group to honor this year, we discovered that five incredible people had accomplished a remarkable milestone – volunteering 1000+ hours to the Chester County Food Bank! This exclusive group are the inaugural members of the Millenia Club.
Meet the newest Millenia members: Paul Dunbar, Barb Ford, Ken Owens, Pab Moskovitz, and Ken Nakatsu.
Barb Ford, a retired school teacher, has been volunteering for nine years and is a familiar sight when she pulls up to CCFB in her Jeep Wrangler. Barb is a regular Thursday morning volunteer and has lent a hand with a variety of tasks, from packing prepared meals for our Simple Suppers, and packing bread for our other prepared meals, to sorting donated food. Barb’s lively personality welcomes friendly banter with fellow volunteers and staff. As of April 13th, Barb has volunteered 1,006 hours since she started volunteering at CCFB in 2015. Barb is also actively involved in volunteering in the youth department at the Chester County Library.
Ken Owens, a retired electrical software engineer, discovered the Food Bank through his church and has been a dedicated volunteer for three years. Ken’s wife is also a regular volunteer with the Food Bank spending her time at Springton Manor Farm; Ken prefers the indoor tasks in the warehouse and kitchen. Ken may seem quiet, but his wit and innovative thinking (remember, he’s a retired engineer!) are a welcome part of our volunteer teams. Ken can be seen most days at the Food Bank, arriving by foot or bike! As of April 13th, Ken has volunteered 1,086 hours in just three years.
Ken Nakatsu, originally from Canada, has been volunteering since his retirement in 2014 and finds great reward in working with the staff and other volunteers. A retired executive from UNISYS, Ken is at CCFB several mornings, primarily in the kitchen and warehouse. Most recently, he trained for a new opportunity working alongside our warehouse team, helping to pack orders for our network partners. Ken’s longtime service to the Food Bank, along with his patient demeanor, made him a natural for this opportunity since he is so familiar with our programs, agencies, and layout of the warehouse. As of April 13th, Ken has volunteered 1,147 hours.
Pab Moskovitz, a retired Social Security Administration employee, found her calling with the Chester County Food Bank after attending an Open House in 2016. Pab is usually seen donning an apron, volunteering in our kitchen plating for our prepared meals programs or cooking up recipes for Taste It during the Fresh2You Mobile Market season. Pab may be quiet when you first meet her, but her witty candor soon shines through. As of April 13th, Pab has volunteered 1,230 hours in seven years.
Paul Dunbar, a Vietnam War veteran, retired in 2014 from PA Public Works and has since committed himself to a career in volunteering, including the Chester County Food Bank, Veterans Affairs Medical Facility, and West Chester Senior Center. Upon meeting Paul, you can quickly learn of his commitment to community by the wording of his arm tattoo “service above self”. There are no truer words for this kind-hearted man. Paul is up for any task and has a special place in his heart for programs serving veterans. As of April 13th, Paul has volunteered 1,956 hours!
The Chester County Food Bank is incredibly grateful for the commitment and passion these volunteers have shown to our vision of a food secure Chester County. Their dedication to service is an inspiration to us all, and we could not do what we do without their help. Thank you, Barb, Pab, Ken O., Ken N., and Paul, for your incredible contributions and for making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Learn more about getting involved at a volunteer with the Chester County Food Bank.