Andrew Garcia is the recipient of this year's annual Bob Montague Volunteer Award. A life-long Watsonville resident, Andrew first started volunteering with PVLF in August of 2016, as a participant with Community Life Services (CLS), a local non-profit organization that advances community support and opportunities for people with disabilities. In the past three years, he has volunteered more than one thousand hours!

Andrew began volunteering alongside his Employment and Independent Living Specialist from CLS, washing and folding aprons and towels for PVLF at a downtown laundromat. He subsequently trained with staff on a variety of tasks around the facility. Andrew now volunteers independently, assisting staff with pantry food distribution, unloading food deliveries, stocking the pantry shelves, and washing the dishes after lunch service. He also helps train new volunteers.

“Andrew takes great pride in his volunteer work with PVLF,” says PVLF Board Member and CLS Program Supervisor Jessica Liddy. “He is a wonderful man that wants to give back to our community in a place where he feels valued and part of a team.”

Andrew was born vision impaired and is legally blind. His joyful spirit and incredible work ethic are an inspiration to everyone that he works alongside. “Andrew always arrives with a big smile and friendly greeting for everyone,” says PVLF Board Member and former Executive Director Brooke Sampson. “I really appreciate the positive energy and enthusiasm that he brings every time he serves.”

Andrew enjoys volunteering at PVLF because of his good bonds with fellow volunteers and program participants and because it “makes your day go faster.” He notes that he has gained new skills through his service, including better time management and the ability to work independently, with guidance from a written task list. His hard work and commitment to getting the job done earned him the nickname “Beast Mode,” after his favorite NFL football player, which he proudly wears on his PVLF nametag.

Andrew currently works for the Santa Cruz Seaside Company, in janitorial services. He also works at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds during special events. He looks forward to continuing to volunteer with PVLF, to “give back to my community.” A lifelong athlete, he is also pursuing a new challenge: training to join the Cabrillo College soccer team. Andrew inspires us all to embrace new challenges and enjoy every day. Thank you, Andrew!

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Our annual volunteer award, recognizing dedication and significant contributions to our mission and the community we serve, is named in honor of Bob Montague, PVLF volunteer from 2000 to 2018. Bob was a key leader of the organization over the years, serving in many roles including Board President, Treasurer and bookkeeper, and interim Director. Throughout his tenure as a volunteer, he coordinated food acquisitions from Second Harvest Food Bank and managed our food inventory. For his leadership, his more than 35,000 hours of volunteer work, and his outstanding example of service, he was honored as a Community Hero by the United Way and a Hunger Fighter by Second Harvest Food Bank.