Two volunteers were recently honored by Oxford-Orion FISH for their tireless efforts to help provide free food to the less fortunate men, women and children who depend upon it for their daily survival.
Lynne McLoskey and Ron Wood were recipients of the 2015 Advocate of the Needy awards.
‘They’re just wonderful volunteers,? said FISH President Laurene Baldwin. ‘You can’t say enough about them. They’re marvelous.?
Established in 2005, the award is designed to recognize individuals and organizations for their above-and-beyond contributions toward helping FISH fulfill its mission.
‘Nobody in our organization is paid,? Baldwin explained. ‘So, we feel that when they are dedicating that much of their time, we need to recognize them, at least with a certificate.?
Since 1973, FISH has been providing free emergency groceries to families, individuals and senior citizens, who are living on either a low or fixed income, or have fallen on hard times due to job loss, illness or other personal crisis.
McLoskey, who is in the process of moving from Oxford to the Fox Run retirement commnity in Novi, spent 18 years volunteering with FISH.
You name it, she’s done it.
She’s served as co-president. She’s worked in the pantry. She founded the group’s clothes closet. She’s managed the FISH office and performed client interviews. She’s served on the AngelFISH committee,which provides Christmas presents to needy children.
‘Lynne has been a terrific worker for us for many, many years,? Baldwin said. ‘She’s just been a wonderful asset. She has kept us on our toes. She will be missed.?
‘It’s a big honor. It really is,? said McLoskey, referring to the award.
She ‘can’t believe how far FISH has come? in the last 18 years.
For example, the group went from utilizing the Immanuel Congregational Church basement for its pantry space to moving into its very own building in 2005.
‘When Thomas (United Methodist) Church came to us with (the offer) that for a dollar, we could have their fellowship hall, it was just a godsend,? McLoskey said. ‘I can’t believe it’s been 10 years, but here we are.?
McLoskey got involved in FISH shortly after moving to Oxford from Huntington Woods.
‘I saw an article in the Leader,? she said. ‘I had retired from teaching and thought, ‘Well, this sounds like a good thing.? The rest is history, as they say.?
She went from answering phone calls to working in the pantry with her husband of 55 years, Dan, to serving on FISH’s board of directors, a seat she occupied for approximately 15 years.
‘It just spiraled,? McLoskey said. ‘The people that were receiving (FISH’s help) were so appreciative, you just felt (like) anything you could do (or) the more you could do, the better.?
McLoskey loves the fact that every single dime FISH collects goes to directly benefit its clients.
‘We have no paid help,? she said. ‘We have no administrative costs. Everything is done by volunteers. And when you look at that year-end report, it is very impressive.?
One of her favorite experiences was being involved with the AngelFISH program.
‘Sometimes (the parents) are in tears because they can’t believe it ? their children are going to be so happy thinking Santa came,? McLoskey said.
When asked why someone should consider volunteering with FISH, she replied, ‘I think everyone should help their fellow neighbors.?
‘They could start small, just help with a food drive,? McLoskey continued. ‘There was a study done out of Duke University. They found that those people who were involved in helping others lived to be a lot older. If you’re in service to others, you feel good and those people feel good.?
Wood, who lives in Brandon Township, has volunteered with FISH for seven or eight years now. He serves as co-treasurer, helps organize food drives, manages the pantry inventory and stocking, and coordinates the weekly food purchase from the Oxford Meijer store.
Baldwin likened Wood to the Energizer Bunny.
‘He never, ever stops,? she said. ‘He is just the best shopper. He’s always looking for the best buy. I can’t imagine the time he spends shopping for FISH. We’re always very proud and pleased to see our (pantry) shelves look so wonderful.?
‘It just makes you feel good helping people that are in need,? Wood said. ‘I enjoy working for FISH and doing basically, whatever is needed.?
Although he’s certainly honored to be named an Advocate of the Needy, Wood noted, ‘I’m not doing it for recognition and awards.?
‘I do it for personal satisfaction,? he said. ‘It’s (about) giving back. That’s really why I do it.?
Wood was initially exposed to FISH through his father-in-law Bob Butler, who’s spent about 25 years volunteering with the group. The idea of helping his neighbors was very appealing to Wood.
‘Even though Oxford and Lake Orion and parts of Addison Township are somewhat affluent, there’s still a number of people in the community that need help, that need food,? he said.
Without FISH, Wood believes ‘there would be a lot more hungry people.?
Last year, FISH, through its pantry in northern Oxford Township, distributed nearly 150,000 pounds of food to an average of 150 households, consisting of 350 individuals, each month.
Wood would like to see more people volunteer with FISH, ‘especially during the major food drives? in May and November.
‘We can use all the help that we can possibly get,? he said.
FISH isn’t the only local group for which Wood volunteers his time. He’s also president of the Oxford Lions Club, which he joined five years ago.