As a former 33-year math teacher and longtime Trinity Episcopal Church member, Ross McKenna heard the call for volunteers from Mid-North Food Pantry’s (MNFP’s) one and only Susan McMahon. Each year Trinity Church offers an activity/opportunity fair so that church members can get plugged into the good work that goes on in the Mid-North neighborhood. In the fall of 2012, Ross was searching for a way to help now that he was retired from teaching math at Ben Davis High School every day.
In the last 13 years much has changed in the day-to-day procedure, but getting food to the Mid-North neighbors each week has been the main goal, no matter what the avenues. When Ross first began volunteering, the pantry rented a truck to travel to get food donations. Later the truck came to MNFP, but there was no liftgate and so the unloading of 5 pallets took almost 3 hours to complete. There have been many changes and advancements to the delivery process. Ross says helping on delivery days has done his heart good literally and figuratively. Literally, the unloading and moving of pallets gives his body, heart, and muscles a workout. Figuratively he feels better knowing that he is strong and able to use his strength though others cannot move hundreds of pounds of food products each week. Ross believes each of us is put on this earth to help one another.
One of the challenges for volunteering at the food pantry, Ross says not everyone is convinced there is a need for giving food to others because some might believe that some neighbors are simply seeking a handout. Ross says there is no way to know each person’s story, but he feels that many people who rely on a food pantry have a back story that shows that their situation is no fault of their own.
Ross has worked with many pantry managers over the 13 years and admires the work ethic and motivation Matthew Jennings supplied during his years at MNFP. “Matthew pushed us to know about the food products, know their place and have pride in our work.” Ross appreciates Susan McMahon and the “miraculous job she does several days each week.” The groups from First Friends and Tabernacle Presbyterian are some of the positives Ross has admired–when churches work together to help battle a problem like food insecurity, it is inspirational. One of the highlights of Ross’ volunteer work has been that the pantry did not shut down during the COVID-19 epidemic. The workspace moved outside and the food deliveries kept coming so that there was food available during such a scary and tumultuous time.
What might someone be surprised to know about Ross? He remarried and they share 6 adult children in their blended family with 8 grandchildren. Ross and his wife are often spotted at their grandchildren’s soccer matches and show choir concerts. He still tutors math 25 hours each week, takes part in the Trinity Men’s breakfast, and is a member of a retired teachers’ book club. Right now the book club is reading Good Morning, Hope: A True Story of Refugee Twin Sisters and Their Triumph Over War, Poverty, and Heartbreak.
When Ross is finished with his Thursday morning shift at MNFP, he heads home for lunch, and as an avid puzzler, solves the 11 puzzles in the morning edition of the Indianapolis Star, takes a quick rest, and then goes off to tutor.
Ross hopes to continue his dedicated volunteering at MNFP for as long as he can and he looks forward to a new generation of retired folks to join him with their infectious volunteer spirit and showing their faith in action.