I recently had a chat with my friends Bev and Jorg Angehrn about their longtime work with the Ouray County Food Pantry.
Bev started volunteering with the original food pantry, which was under the auspices of the Ridgway Community Church 15 years ago. In 2012, Bev asked Jorg for help and they worked with the other board members to create the current nonprofit organization. That status qualified the pantry to apply for grants and to join other programs like the Emergency Food Assistance Program. Many of the board members have been committed to the organization since the early 2000s, which has provided stability for the organization.
Bev said she has always had an interest in nutrition and it was her favorite class in college. She believes all people need to be well-nourished. When she was a nurse in Houston, she dealt with children who were literally starving. That really made an impression.
When I asked them about challenges and obstacles, they both said that in the early days the biggest hur- dle was funding, with the second largest was finding a location. They moved at least six times and moving is expensive! After their fourth move, they had $2,000 in the bank and rent was $500 a month. The board decided to do what they could until the money ran out.
Within weeks of opening, Terrance Barry (who grew up in Ouray) came forward. His foundation offered to pay rent and help with holiday food. This arrangement re-energized the board’s spirits when they were lagging and continued until the food pantry purchased its current location at 602 Cora St. in Ridgway.
Bev and Jorg both said it is a wonderful feeling to know they never have to move again, especially since the location is perfect.
The need for pantry services increased during the pandemic but tapered off until just the past few months. Lately, the pantry has received more requests from seniors on fixed incomes and from part time/seasonal workers who are in between jobs. This tends to be cyclical – people utilize the services for a while until they get on their feet, the Angehrns said.
The pantry is run completely by volunteers – there is no paid staff. What amazes Bev and Jorg most are the wonderful volunteers. They find it heartwarming to watch them serve the clients.
Social interaction is sometimes as important as being well-fed, and the volunteers treat their clients with utmost respect. Bev feels the most important qualities for effective volunteers are compassion, a deep interest, empathy for the struggles people face and respect.
Bev and Jorg feel volunteering helps them give back to the community – they’ve been fortunate in their lives and have gratitude for the gifts they have received. They get energy from the relationships they have formed over the years and they really love learning people’s stories. One of the greatest benefits is seeing the many ways people in our small community express their love and generosity. Bev says, “Everyone has something to offer, and volunteering is a way to nurture and share that gift. Typically what you get in return seems greater than what you give.”
If you’d like to learn more about volunteering at the pantry, visit ouraycountyfoodpantry.org. Contact Bev to see when you can come by for a tour. The pantry is located at 602 N. Cora St. in Ridgway. Though it’s open on Thursdays for food distribution, it’s better to come when it’s not so busy. Please email bevga@icloud.com to set up a time. No prior experience is necessary to volunteer and there are no specific commitments required. Just come see if it’s a good fit for you.
Columnist Sue Husch has been recognized by Plaindealer readers for the past three years in the Best of Ouray County awards for “best volunteer.” Her goal is to spotlight other volunteers who work to better the community in Ouray County, especially folks who might not be as visible as she is. We have no idea how she has time to do this, but we’re happy she wants to contribute to the Plaindealer. Have an idea of someone who would make a good subject? Email erin@ouraynews. com with your nomination.
