Some heroes wear hairnets. Carl Yager is one of them.
Carl is a regular fixture at The Food Bank, coming in every Tuesday and Thursday morning. A Navy veteran, he has been volunteering since his wife passed away in 2012 and has logged more than 2,000 hours. That works out to 250 work days.
The Food Bank has nominated Carl for the Columbia Daily Tribune’s annual Hero Award, an honor that recognizes volunteers making a difference in the community.
Carl has made a difference both in and outside of Columbia. In The Food Bank’s Volunteer Room, he is known for helping newcomers learn the ropes and for making others feel welcome. In 2013, he ventured outside of the facility and worked with The Food Bank staff to survey clients at pantries and soup kitchens throughout our 32-county service area. He was named The Food Bank’s Volunteer of the Month that September.
“We appreciate Carl’s commitment to The Food Bank,” says Melanie Lake, volunteer programs coordinator. “He has really become a valuable part of our team, not only saving us money in avoided labor costs but also creating a positive environment.”
The Hero Awards are scheduled to be announced on April 24.
