ALFRED — Carol and Dick Ogden walked into a barn at York County Shelter Programs at noon Tuesday to a standing ovation and music by the Massabesic High School Concert Band.
The Shapleigh couple was honored with the surprise party for the volunteer work they have done for the organization. The event was attended by staff, volunteers and residents from York County Shelter Programs as well as representatives from Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn.
Both Carol and Dick said they were genuinely surprised.
Dick said he was told that there was going to be a news reporter in the building who was writing a story on some of the services that York County Shelter Programs provides.
“We fell for it, hook, line and sinker,” said Dick.
The Ogdens have transported more than 90,000 pounds of food from the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn to the York County Shelter Programs food pantry in Alfred in the past two years.
Every Thursday, the couple drives to Auburn, picks up the food, and brings it back to Alfred for distribution. The Ogdens originally used their own car to transport the food, but later began using the shelter’s vehicle so they could transport more food.
Dick said they concentrate on getting healthy foods for the pantry.
The Ogdens direct the Community Supplemental Food Program, a monthly food distribution program for seniors, with the shelter’s Community Relations Director Joan Sylvester as the staff contact. Sylvester said the Ogdens do the hands-on supervisory work of the volunteers who distribute the food.
“They’re just incredible,” said Mary Doyle, public relations director for the York County Shelter Programs, echoing the sentiment of many at the event.
The couple learned about the agency after meeting Facility Manager Steve Mazza on the golf course.
They started out by donating clothing, and worked their way up to their current level of volunteerism and have been volunteering for the agency for about three years. Now they’re hooked, they say.
“It’s part of us,” said Carol.
Dick said he appreciated the work York County Shelter Programs does, and sung the praises of those who work together who make it happen. He said Maine is one of the 10 hungriest states in the country, and he has seen an increase in the number of people who need food.
“When you see the need, you just gotta be part of that team,” said Dick.
“It gets in your blood,” said Carol. “You can’t not help.”
Mazza said the couple has given “hours and hours” of their time and are very generous.
“It goes without saying, without people like Dick and Carol, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” he said.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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