A Job Well-Done

Steve Vossler describes himself as a hard worker and gets satisfaction from seeing the fruits (and vegetables) of his labor pile up on a pallet for efficient and timely distribution to his neighbors.

The 72-year-old Union Pacific Railroad retiree has volunteered up to six hours a week at Harvesters’ Kansas Distribution Center in Lawrence, Kan. In 2025, he logged 170 volunteer hours.

“I just started going a little over a year ago and enjoy the work,” Vossler said.

During one two-hour volunteer shift, he sorted and packed 500 pounds of Canadian-grown carrots that got stuck at the dock and began to rot due to the imposition of tariffs.

But Vossler frequently packs CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) boxes for seniors, a government program providing emergency food for anyone older than 60.

Vossler initially signed up for a volunteer session after a friend told him Harvesters was looking for more volunteers to fill slots at the new distribution warehouse. Although Vossler has never experienced food insecurity, he was eager to volunteer his time, something he says he has plenty of in retirement.

Vossler previously volunteered at a variety of charitable organizations, but part of the appeal that keeps him coming back to Harvesters is the efficiency with which volunteers are deployed.

“I noticed right away that within five minutes of arriving for a shift you’re doing something. You’re never twiddling your thumbs,” he said.

And if his time can be put to good use, Steve’s ready to roll up his sleeves.

“It does more for me than I do for them…There’s a need for it, obviously, and your time is well spent,” he said.