DAILY TASK Jael Lopez of the California
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COMMITTED TO GIVE SECOND HARVEST’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE GOES VIRTUAL By JOHANNA MILLER
S
econd Harvest Food Bank volunteer Paul Garcia knows the importance of giving back to his community. “I was a heroin addict for many years… I tore this town up,” he said. “So now I’m giving back.”
Garcia has been a volunteer for Second Harvest for 11 years. He started as a truck driver, then moved on to the warehouse, working even as he was battling lung cancer and other health problems. Gradually, staff at the food bank recognized his enthusiasm and began giving him more responsibility. He is now the head supervisor of warehouse volunteers.
The Covid-19 pandemic initially put a wrench into operations at the food bank—after the initial outbreak in March, volunteers including Garcia were sent home, and National Guard members were called in to help instead. Garcia says he was “going crazy” not being able to volunteer for those months.
“It feels so good to be back here,” he said. “It feels right.” Suzanne Willis, Second Harvest’s Chief Development Officer, said staff at the food bank was “thrilled” to have him back, too. “Paul has been an integral part of our warehouse operations for many years, so having him back is helping us tremendously,” she said.
Tarmo Hannula
NOVEMBER 13 -19, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE
National Guard helps bundle up bags of vegetables at the Second Harvest Food Bank in Watsonville.
