Conviértete en voluntario
Claire & Tom Bravo
Claire and Tom started volunteering at PACS roughly four years ago, shortly after relocating to Pennsylvania from Massachusetts. Volunteering had already been an important part of their lives for nearly a decade back in Massachusetts. Their dedication to volunteering comes from a close friend, someone they’ve known since high school, who first inspired them to give back to their community through providing food assistance. When Claire and Tom moved to Pennsylvania, they wanted to continue giving back, and that’s how they found PACS.
Claire and Tom both have their own respective duties here at PACS. Claire helps run the front desk, greeting and assisting guests who visit our Market. Tom takes on a wide range of responsibilities, managing limited resources, stepping in wherever needed. Both he and Claire also serve as representatives at third-party fundraisers to speak about PACS. Fun fact, Tom also plays Santa at Steel City’s ‘Breakfast with Santa’ that benefits PACS.
When asked what they enjoy most about volunteering, the Bravos highlighted the joy of interacting with our guests, meeting new people, being part of a supportive team, and having the chance to make a difference. Claire also shared a story with us about a young guest who always goes out of his way to find her just to say, “Thank you for everything you do.” For Tom, he recalls the generous care and support he received from PACS staff and volunteers during his recovery from a back procedure. Everyone took the time to check in on him, offering encouragement and making sure he wasn’t pushing himself too hard.
Claire and Tom share the same statement as many of our other volunteers when it comes to what advice they’d give to others looking to volunteer - “Just do it”. They believe there’s a role for everyone at PACS, whether you’re outgoing or prefer working behind the scenes. So no matter where you want to volunteer, just do it!
When asked about how they feel about PACS and its accomplishments, Claire and Tom shared how they admire the way PACS adapts and improves its operations, especially amid challenges like ongoing construction and rising community needs.
Now retired, they enjoy walking, bowling, spending time with their grandchildren, and playing Quizzo with their friends. They describe themselves as “straightforward people” who appreciate the welcoming and hard working culture at PACS. “We just really like it here,” they add.
Claire and Tom Bravo are more than just two of our volunteers—they are part of the heart of what makes PACS truly special. We are grateful for the kindness, humility, and commitment they bring to our community every day.
"The Heart of PACS" Awards
Every year, we hold a special event to express our gratitude towards the hardworking volunteers who support our mission.
En diciembre de 2023, realizamos un evento especial para expresar nuestra gratitud hacia los voluntarios trabajadores que apoyan nuestra misión. Aproximadamente 135 voluntarios se reunieron en PACS para ser honrados por su dedicación y esfuerzos.
Tuvimos el honor de contar con la presencia de varios funcionarios electos en el evento:
Senadora Katie Muth y Nikki Whitlock
Marian Moskowitz, presidenta del comisionado del condado de Chester
Peter Urscheler, alcalde de Phoenixville
La oficina de la senadora Katie Muth otorgó a todos los voluntarios de PACS el Certificado de Reconocimiento Senatorial del Estado de Pensilvania, en reconocimiento al "compromiso con el servicio voluntario en Phoenixville y las comunidades circundantes".
El alcalde Peter otorgó a todos los voluntarios de PACS la Mención de la Oficina del Alcalde del condado de Phoenixville, en reconocimiento a las “destacadas contribuciones de los voluntarios a los servicios comunitarios del área de Phoenixville”.
Un grupo selecto de nuestros voluntarios también recibió el Premio al Servicio Voluntario del Presidente de manos del presidente Biden. Este premio se otorga a quienes han trabajado como voluntarios una determinada cantidad de horas. ¡Elaine Miller ganó el Premio Presidencial de Oro por aproximadamente 700 horas de servicio voluntario!
Joseph J. Cowan, Jr. ha sido reconocido como ganador del "Premio Lois Gould Voluntario del Año" para 2023. El premio, que lleva el nombre de la fundadora de PACS, Lois Gould, se entregará al Voluntario del Año anualmente.
Estamos extremadamente agradecidos con todos nuestros voluntarios que dedican su tiempo y esfuerzo para apoyar nuestra misión todos los días.
Lois Gould Volunteer of The Year Winners
2024 - Elaine Miller
2023 - Joe Cowan
