In his own words, MFB Morton volunteer Steve Nichols isn't retired. He's "unscheduled."
He also has always been good at fixing things. Over the past 40 years, Steve has owned three businesses utilizing that skill. His work included woodworking and handyman services. Steve's ability to fix things helped him in technical writing and consulting. He shared his aptitude by writing manuals – 'how to' information for machinery, covering parts and safety.
Steve's Morton high school class has an annual Christmas Eve breakfast. While there, he learned about MFB from classmate Brent Reddish, MFB Morton's Operations Manager.
In January, Steve gave volunteering at MFB a try by coming to a food distribution. It wasn't long before his expertise with machinery became known. Steve began helping with the Tender Mercies packing machine. He now runs the machine, troubleshoots, and fixes it when breakdowns occur.
"Being 'unscheduled' means I have time to give back," says Steve. "I like helping here because Midwest Food Bank is about helping people."
Steve has been married to Lori for 42 years. He has a son, Adam (married to Kim), and two granddaughters, ages four and two.
"Steve has fixed so many things around MFB Morton," says Lisa Martin, Executive Director of MFB Morton. "It is a great cost savings to have an internal handyman when things break down."
MFBis blessed to have Steve 'unschedule' his time with us.He uses his gifts, talents, and experience to further our mission.
What about you? Unschedule a visit with your local Midwest Food Bank to see how your passion and experience can help food insecure people.