Rob McPherson is the pastor at Buchanan First United Methodist Church. He volunteers with Church World Service, which helps feed the hungry.

 

How long have you volunteered with Church World Service?

I have worked for the nonprofit sector for the past 15 years and the last 10 in the Niles and Buchanan area. Church World Service is an international organization that works to fight hunger.

Twenty-five percent raised yearly stays in Niles and Buchanan. The money goes to the Salvation Army, Christian Service Center in Niles and Red Bud Area Ministries. We raise 12,000 to 15,000 a year.

 

How did you get involved?

I think hunger is an extremely important issue nationally and I felt it was important to be involved in.

 

What has been the most rewarding part?

For me the most rewarding thing is knowing that there are individuals who had not had anything to eat that day and were able to have something to eat.

 

What would you say to encourage other volunteers?

In general people should volunteer and find something that they are passionate about that is going to make a difference in the world and provide us with a better community and a better world. Knowing that your life is making a difference to someone else is a very powerful thing.

 

Where can people go to help out at the Crop Hunger Walk?

This year we are walking the McCoy Creek Trail in Buchanan at 3 p.m. on Sept. 25. Walk participation is a fundraising method and people pledge to support the individuals that walk. People can register online at Crop Hunger Walks.org or at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 25, at First United Methodist Church, 32 S. Oak St. in Buchanan.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her as the Volunteer of the Week by calling the newsroom at (269) 687-7713, or email a tip to news@leadeprub.com.