“When you grow up on a farm, there's a lot of helping each other happening, “ he says. “In rural areas you know your neighbors and you're aware of each other's needs.” Simply observing acts of human kindness that were so commonplace impressed Owen and the lesson was well learned.
After Owen retired from the Michigan Carton Company in 1992, it was former Food Bank board member Harriet Pierman who got him sold on volunteering for the Battle Creek non-profit, by telling him, “what a wonderful operation it was.”
Usually twice a week you'll find Owen hard at work in the distribution center, blending right in with the staff, pulling food orders for the Food Bank's 275 member agencies.
“It's interesting, stimulating work,” says Owen, “both working with other volunteers and with (Food Bank) employees.”
Noting the strong sense of volunteerism in the United States, and his own faith, Owen feels that “you have an obligation to serve the community that you live in. It's just a necessary thing for the well being of the community.”
Owen and his wife Mary have two daughters, Margaret and Emily, who have produced five grandchildren - perhaps future volunteers in the making.
As to why he continues to volunteer 16 years after walking through the front door for the first time, he says, “I think the Food Bank does a good job and I enjoy working there. It's a great cause.”
The Food Bank of South Central Michigan is a United Way Program Delivery Partner and is a member of America's Second Harvest the Nation's Food Bank Network and the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
If you would like to volunteer at the Food Bank, or discuss volunteer opportunities, give the Food Bank a call at 269-964-3663.
photo cutlines: Owen Van Winkle picks a food order while volunteering at the Food Bank.