LUM Volunteer of the Month – Rob Morgan
LUM Volunteer of the Month – August 2023
Robert Morgan is the August LUM Volunteer of the Month.
Rob was born in Fort Wayne, IN, grew up in Columbia City, and now lives in Lafayette with his wife, Nina. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School and earned an associates degree from Ivy Tech Community College. Rob retired from the Large Engine Center at Caterpillar (Lafayette, IN) after more than 30 years.
Rob is being honored this month for his volunteer work with the LUM Protein Food Pantry as well as volunteering with Jubilee Christmas, serving meals at the Emergency Shelter, and being a part of the kitchen team at the Community Thanksgiving Feast. He was selected for the LUM Volunteer of the Month for his exceptional dedication, quiet leadership, ability and willingness to fix anything, and letting LUM utilize his truck.
When reflecting on “what gives him the most pride in volunteering with LUM,” Rob shared that,
I would have to say the leadership at LUM is what I am proud of. It is always about the client not who is in charge. I get so much satisfaction from volunteering at LUM. Knowing that the little bit of time I offer is so much appreciated by all in each program it touches.
When Rob retired he wanted to #1) learn how to say “no,” and #2) do “odd jobs” for others, especially older adults. He freely admits that he failed at #1, but also acknowledges that he would not want it any other way. One of the benefits of volunteering with LUM is that he has connected with several other retirees, who have now become his friends. It makes “work” so much more rewarding and fun. Rob encourages other retirees to volunteer with LUM because of not only what you are able to give your neighbors in need but also how much it enriches and gives meaning to your own life. Rob stated,
Step out of your comfort zone. If you have been thinking about it, it is now time to sign up. Go with a friend. If you need help getting started, just let Nina and me know. The guests and participants are so grateful. Not just for the food but for you being there to listen and care.
Rob has found several ways to serve the community through LUM. He shares that,
The LUM Protein Food Pantry is Nina’s and my baby. We have been involved ever since it started. It is wonderful seeing the clients each week and knowing what we are giving them will make a difference right now — and seeing their smiles and gratitude would warm anyone’s heart. The Emergency Shelter is another place where you can make a difference right away. Serving the meal is just as important as making the meal. Visting the guests face to face over time we got to know them as individuals. We have been able to follow their success stories, over the months, as they get a job and then an apartment and move out on their own. Jubilee Christmas is the start of the Christmas season for me. Seeing so many families that would have nothing to give their children now have something for their children, is amazing! I am also looking forward to once again assisting in running the kitchen for the Community Thanksgiving Feast. It is hectic, busy and a little more than stressful. But when it is over, and you know that there were more than 900 meals served, that’s a lot of full tummies.
Rob & Nina have been married for 43 years. And he shares with a wink and a smile that,
“I don’t know of anyone else who could have put up with me this long.”
They have two adult children and a rescue dog named Aggie. Their daughter, Jennifer, is married to Tim; and their son, Craig is married to his work. Rob enjoys camping above all else. He also enjoys fishing, woodworking, wood carving and watching all football — from grade school teams to the NFL. Rob & Nina are active members of Grace Lutheran Church (Lafayette, IN), and he is a Kairos Prison Ministry volunteer at the Indiana State Prison.
Join us in congratulating Rob Morgan for being selected the LUM Volunteer of the Month for August 2023. If you would like to volunteer with LUM, check out the LUM website or call or email the LUM volunteer coordinator, Terri Anderson (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691).
LUM 40th Anniversary – Food Assistance Programs
During the month of August, LUM is also celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Food Assistance Programs. You are cordially invited to attend a FREE reception to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of LUM Food Assistance Programs. Here are the details:
- DATE – Thursday, August 17
- TIME – 9 a.m. to noon
- PLACE – LUM Protein Food Pantry (6th Street between North & Ferry Streets, Lafayette, IN. Enter Red Door under Green Awning.)
In 1983, the LUM leadership began to notice that more and more local neighbors were asking for food. For the past 40 years, LUM has operated a food pantry in downtown Lafayette plus a variety of other food programs like the current To-Go Meals program, Community Thanksgiving Feast, and Westside & Protein Food Pantries, as well as all of the meals served at the Emergency Shelter, 5th Quarter Summer Learning Program, LUM Camp, and Winter Warming Station.
The 40th Anniversary reception will offer refreshments, brief remarks, and tours of the Protein Food Pantry during operating hours. Please join us for this historic milestone of LUM empowering our neighbors in need and advocating to end hunger. Stay tuned as LUM invites you to celebrate and learn more about LUM Food Assistance Programs.