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 Global Volunteer Month in April and Volunteer Appreciation Week was celebrated April 16-22, the food bank wants 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 the community.

A special part of its 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, 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.

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. Ford 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. Her lively personality welcomes friendly banter with fellow volunteers and staff. As of April 13, Ford has volunteered 1,006 hours since she started volunteering at CCFB in 2015. She 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. Owens’ wife is also a regular volunteer with the Food Bank spending her time at Springton Manor Farm; Owens prefers the indoor tasks in the warehouse and kitchen. He may seem quiet, but his wit and innovative thinking are a welcome part of our volunteer teams. He can be seen most days at the Food Bank, arriving by foot or bike. As of April 13, Owens 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, Nakatsu 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. Nakatsu’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 13, he 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. Moskovitz 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. She may be quiet when you first meet her, but her witty candor soon shines through. As of April 13, Moskovitz 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 Dunbar, 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. He is up for any task and has a special place in his heart for programs serving veterans. As of April 13, Dunbar has volunteered 1,956 hours.

The Chester County Food Bank is incredibly grateful for the commitment and passion these volunteers have shown to the vision of a food secure Chester County. Their dedication to service is an inspiration, and the Food Bank could not do what it does 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 they serve.

Learn more at the Chester County Food Bank.