Judy and Jim Curcio
Judy and Jim Curcio have become integral members of our Friday warehouse crew after volunteering for nearly three years. Their contributions include sorting food, shopping for monthly appointments, and distributing groceries to our guests. Additionally, they represent PACS at various vendor events such as beer gardens, jazz fests, and blues fests. Before joining our volunteer team, Judy and Jim would occasionally assist at the Red Cross. In Florida, they also lent a hand at a local food bank and the Naples Therapeutic Writing Center. Following their retirement, they relocated from New York to Pennsylvania to be closer to family. Eager to engage in volunteer work in their new community, they found PACS to be the best fit.
Being a part of the Friday crew, they enjoy working with their fellow volunteers. They appreciate the team's effective collaboration and enjoy their time working together. Having volunteered at food banks in other states, they are impressed by the unique programs we offer to our guests, especially the Retail Rescue Program. This program stands out to them as incomparable to anything they have encountered in NY or FL, marveling at the amount of food saved from going to waste.
They admire our Warehouse Coordinator, Meredith. Jim and Judy describe her as dedicated, enthusiastic, pleasant, and a delight to work with. They also see our rapid growth within a short period as our major achievement, with a large portion of this growth being driven by volunteers rather than a large staff.
As for meaningful experiences while volunteering at PACS: Jim shared when he assisted a woman with MS who couldn't navigate stairs and resided in a high-rise building. He helped bring her groceries that she otherwise would not be able to get on her own. For Judy, she shared that whenever she refills the outside bread bins, she is met with appreciative and gracious guests who are truly thankful for our efforts.
Jim and Judy both find joy in assisting those in need and believe in the significance of giving back to communities with kindness. They have truly become vital members of our volunteer team with all that they do to support our mission.
"The Heart of PACS" Awards
In December 2023, we held a special event to express our gratitude towards the hardworking volunteers who support our mission. Approximately 135 volunteers came together at PACS to be honored for their dedication and efforts.
We were honored to have the presence of several elected officials at the event:
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Senator Katie Muth & Nikki Whitlock
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Chester County Commissioner Chair Marian Moskowitz
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Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler
Senator Katie Muth’s office awarded all of the PACS Volunteers The State of Pennsylvania Senatorial Certificate of Recognition - In recognition of "commitment to volunteer service to Phoenixville and surrounding communities”.
Mayor Peter awarded all of the PACS Volunteers Phoenixville Borough Office of the Mayor Citation - in recognition of “outstanding volunteer contributions to Phoenixville Area Community Services.”
A select group of our volunteers were also awarded The President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Biden. This award is given to those who have volunteered a certain amount of hours. Elaine Miller won the Gold Presidential Award for roughly 700 hours of volunteer service!
Joseph J. Cowan, Jr. has been recognized as the recipient of the "Lois Gould Volunteer of the Year Award" for 2023. The award, named after PACS' founder Lois Gould, will be presented to the Volunteer of the Year annually.
We are extremely grateful to all of our volunteers who devote their time and effort to support our mission every day.
