L-R: Robert Kussner, Tim Tucker, Ken Warden, William Coates (Eastside YMCA), Henry Wilson, Curtis Carr (House of Raeford Farms FLOCK). Not Pictured: Bob Sudermann
Hunger is a reality that many face every day, and the fight is far from over. Thankfully, there are those who are on the front lines making a difference. One such organization is the Eastside Family YMCA in Greenville, South Carolina. Nearly 30 volunteers are part of a group that procures, packs, and distributes nourishing food to a wide variety of organizations and individuals each week as part of Eastside’s Food Relief program.
Since the food distribution outreach began during the COVID pandemic, five of these volunteers have faithfully donated their time and energy to the program. They include Tim Tucker, Ken Warden, Bob Sudermann, Henry Wilson, and Robert Kussner. Each week they travel to a local grocery store and load up their trucks with food purchases. These individuals then contribute time to packing the food boxes and distributing the product to partner organizations.
On September 28, House of Raeford Farms FLOCK gave special recognition to these men as part of our FLOCK Cares initiative. FLOCK provided a special lunch for all Food Relief volunteers, and these five individuals received a distinctive plaque and a gift card to honor their “above and beyond” dedication.
Recipients of the food distribution efforts include food insecure families in the east Greenville area; veterans’ organizations like Greenville Veteran Affairs and Upstate Warrior Solutions; and groups serving single mothers and fathers with young children under the age of five, and often homeless or living in less than desirable housing.
“The YMCA is a volunteer led organization. Each week these diligent, committed volunteers demonstrate that the value of giving far exceeds any material measure,” said William Coates, Director of Development for the Eastside YMCA. “Their selfless dedication not only nourishes families in need, but feeds the bonds of compassion that holds our community together. I am grateful to be able to serve alongside so many wonderful people. The YMCA of Greenville will continue to meet the needs of our community every day.”
The FLOCK CARES program honors those who serve, often without any recognition. They may run into a burning building to save a life; or spend extra time teaching a child who has a learning disability; or be an example of integrity and commitment to co-workers in a House of Raeford location. Individuals we acknowledge may be a teacher, firefighter, law enforcement officer, healthcare worker, local House of Raeford employee, or any other individual who has demonstrated an exceptional sacrifice to others. School administrators, fire and police chiefs, EMS supervisors, town administrators, church leaders, House of Raeford managers, and others guide FLOCK in their selections.