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Ed Evans, a volunteer for Cordova Community Food Locker for more than 20 years, is one recipient of the Community Champions award presented by Molina Healthcare of California. —Spectrum photo by Susan Carlson
Ed
Evans Works Tirelessly to Feed Hungry in Community
By
Michael A. Piekarz
Staff Writer
When 80-year-old
Ed Evans said “yes” to a question some 22 years ago,
he had no idea regarding the difference he would make to the people
living in and around Rancho Cordova. In fact, he hadn’t even
pondered the question.
Evans’ wife Ruth had persuaded him to help out at the then newly-opened
Cordova Community Food Locker (CCFL).
“My wife got me involved,” Evans explained. “Up until that
time, I never even knew what a food locker was.”
As he was absently sorting beans one day, Walter Little, co-creator and director
of CCFL, told Evans that he needed help in management and asked him if he would
be interested.
Evans responded with a resounding “yes,” but he had no idea of what
he had just agreed to until he was on his way home.
“Ruth asked me if I knew that I had just volunteered to run the place,” Evans
recalled. “I didn’t, but I wasn’t going to go back on my word.”
Evans now manages a staff of 40 volunteers who work at CCFL to ensure that nearly
6,500 people a month don’t go hungry in a service area ranging from Rosemont
to Carmichael.
Over the years, CCFL has gained a reputation for a “can-do” attitude
and a willingness to work very hard in an effort to serve the less fortunate.
While
he is an integral part, Evans credits much of CCFL’s success to the
volunteers he works with and the support of the community.
“I’ve got good help,” he explained. “We also get a lot
of support through grants, church donations, businesses, clubs and other community-based
donations.”
Evans is more than willing to pass the credit off to others, but they make it
very clear that he is something special.
“For people who believe that angels actually walk the earth, Ed is in that
category,” Little opined. “He is that kind of special human being.”
Officially, CCFL is open three days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., but Evans
often works much longer hours. He collects food and delivers it to various churches
in his easily recognized yellow truck during the week and on the weekends.
It is not uncommon for him to open CCFL early or stay open late to accommodate
those that need to be fed. He comes in on weekends, too.
What many find most remarkable about Evans is an energy level that would be impressive
in a man half his age.
“He’s like the Energizer Bunny,” described CCFL staff member
Melanie Rochin. “He just keeps going, going and going,” she said
with a smile.
Even personal tragedy seems to leave him unfazed when it comes to his dedication
and benevolence. When Ruth became ill, Evans juggled caring for her with his
duties at CCFL. When she died two years ago — after working alongside him
at CCFL for 20 years — he scarcely missed a beat.
Three years ago, Molina Healthcare of California established an award for what
the company termed “the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to make
Sacramento a better place to live.”
The Molina Healthcare of California “Community Champions” award is
designed to honor nine individuals for their extraordinary service and civic
contributions each year.
Each honoree receives a grant to be given to an organization of their choosing
and a Molina Healthcare of California “Community Champions” award
trophy, named in honor of Molina Healthcare’s physician founder, Dr. C.
David Molina.
“We’re honored to recognize these everyday heroes in our communities,” said
Lisa Rubino, president of Molina Healthcare of California. “What makes
this event special is that community members chose the individuals and organizations
as their champions. The grant they receive also enables them to ‘pay it
forward’ to another deserving community organization.”
Among those nominated in the category for volunteerism, Evans stood out.
“We ask each community to nominate who is best suited for inclusion in
one of our categories,” stated Sindy Ausmer, community outreach coordinator
for Molina Healthcare of California. “Ed’s category was pretty full,
but even then he stood out.”
Evans is flattered by the attention and grateful for the award, but he finds
managing CCFL to be a reward in and of its self.
“I feel fortunate … I really do,” Evans mused. “You work
here and you see just how lucky you are.”
“It’s just who Ed is,” Little observed. “He has a genuine
love for people.”
After 22 years on the job and a major award for recognition of his service to
others, Evans has no plans on leaving CCFL.
“I’m still healthy, and I’ve got good teeth,” he joked. “So
there’s no reason for me to quit yet.”
“Besides,” Evans smiled, “I’ve got good people here.”
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Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
