Alan Preston
Alan Preston has been a dedicated volunteer at PACS for nearly three years. During this time, he has worked closely with Mike Claus, our Food Recovery Relations Manager. Some might call him “Mike’s Right-Hand Man”! Alan assists with receiving, driving the PACS vans, and stepping in for Mike when he is out of the office. Having lived in Phoenixville for over 20 years, Alan loves the community and appreciates how it has grown over the years. After retirement, he decided he wanted to give back to the community by helping those in need.
Throughout the years he has volunteered, Alan has truly appreciated hearing how grateful guests are for the support PACS offers, and the difference the organization has made in their lives. He also values how hard his fellow volunteers work, and the friendships they form - not to mention the exercise he gets from working in receiving!
When it comes to his views on PACS as an organization, he believes what we do is amazing - supporting individuals facing food insecurity. Alan stated that the whole idea of food insecurity is unimaginable - and that our country has the means to feed every citizen, but doesn’t. He finds it truly inspiring that PACS serves as a vital resource for anyone in need, especially within the Phoenixville community. Another one of Alan’s inspirations is Mike. He admires Mike as an example of someone who engages in meaningful work, and can be an exceptional problem solver. Mike motivates Alan to put in the effort and make the most of his time as a volunteer.
The most significant achievement for PACS, in Alan’s eyes, was when PACS moved from Church St to Buchanan St. Moving locations increased our capacity to assist a larger number of individuals, which he finds truly remarkable. The growing number of people we can serve daily is a testament to our expanded space for food storage.
Alan Preston truly embodies what it means to love what you do, and appreciate the results. In his words: “I APPRECIATE the opportunity to volunteer at PACS. I’m glad I get to do it!” Thank you Alan for your hard work and dedication to 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.
