FeedMore WNY Volunteer Spotlight: Tom Ashe

Tom Ashe has always felt called to help others. It’s why he devoted his career to serving the community as a Buffalo firefighter. Now, in his retirement, he dedicates his time to volunteering at FeedMore WNY.

“I feel fortunate in my life, so I want to give back,” Tom said. “It’s the right thing to do.”

Tom has been volunteering with FeedMore WNY for more than a year and has provided much needed assistance at food drives, such as Rock Out Hunger, packaging frozen meals for homebound community members and helping to deliver meals to neighbors in need. Tom also volunteers once per week as a FeedMore WNY front desk volunteer. In this role, he answers the phone, greets guests and connects community members in need of food assistance to the appropriate program or resource.

Though Tom said he always knew that hunger was an issue in Western New York, he was surprised to learn how expansive the need for food assistance was when he began volunteering.

“The amount of meals that are distributed through FeedMore WNY is unbelievable,” he said.

Tom hopes that more community members become volunteers to help alleviate food insecurity in Western New York.

“It’s important because there is a huge need in the community. I think everyone should contribute what they can – whether it’s food, energy, time or companionship. There are always those less fortunate than you.”