VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2024: RALPH PARSONS

L.I.F.E. Ministries Food Pantry is proud to announce the selection of Ralph Parsons as our Volunteer of the Year for 2024.

Ralph began volunteering at the Food Pantry in October, 2022, after another volunteer suggested that he try it. He quickly became a key member of the Food Pantry staff. Based on his early career training, he gravitated toward restocking, and soon took responsibility for oversight of the inventory room. “The increased numbers of clients during the past few years have pushed the capacity of the building to its limit; we are utilizing every square inch of space,” said Bill Connors, President of the Food Pantry. “Based on lessons learned as a young man, Ralph ensures that everything is orderly and easily accessible so our shoppers can fill orders efficiently on distribution days.”

Those distribution days begin for Ralph before 6:00 AM and end around 6:00 PM, and he does not stop moving for most of that time; while most of the staff take a lunch break, Ralph eats a sandwich while he continues working. On other days, he can be found checking on inventory, delivering excess perishables to a sister agency, picking up food in Manchester, unloading trucks, or doing minor maintenance projects at the Pantry. “He is tireless,” said Connors, “and perpetually happy, always with a smile on his face and a kind word. He incorporates the Pantry’s values of dignity and respect in everything he does. He treats everyone – co-workers and clients alike – like a dear friend. He loves the Food Pantry, his work, his fellow volunteers, his clients, and being able to serve.”

Ralph also reflects a rare quality reserved for truly charitable people: humility. Connors recounted the conversation when he advised Ralph that he had been named Volunteer of the Year. Ralph’s first words were “but it’s a team.” He often speaks about what a great team the Pantry staff is, and how grateful he is to be part of it. The Food Pantry truly is a team – a dedicated group of people who work hard for their clients. But every team has a Most Valuable Player – and Ralph has more than qualified for that role.

On behalf of the board of directors and our grateful clients, thank you, Ralph!