We are incredibly excited to introduce our soon-to-be Food Pantry Manager, Keith Hills! Now we know this beaming smile is not new to our GRACE family, but his newly announced promotion is brand new news!
This wonderful news comes as a two-parter, the latter being quite bittersweet. After almost 20 years organizing GRACE Pantry services in a way that not only provides food but also respect and compassion to individuals and families in need, Rusty Thigpen has decided to retire.
Many of you know firsthand what an asset Rusty has been to GRACE and to this community. He has been a stabilizing force within and outside of the organization. He will be missed by so many, but has decided it is time to move forward to his next adventure! Rusty will still be in The Pantry everyday acting as trainer/mentor until he takes his formal leave on October 1.
Rusty Thigpen leaves enormous shoes to fill to say the least, but we feel confident that Keith is the best choice for this role and will continue to promote the stellar services that The Pantry provides the individuals and families who come to GRACE for help. He has had the benefit of working under Rusty, and has learned the operational procedures from the man who has managed the Pantry for nearly 20 years.
We are confident that Keith’s relational approach with clients, volunteers, donors and staff align with GRACE’s core values that continue to shape the unique platform at the GRACE Food Pantry today.
Our Food Pantry Manager collaborates with the community to secure, sort and display food and other essentials for an average of more than 450 Pantry visits each month. This crucial role also coordinates volunteers, food drive, and food basket distributions to nearly 500 families for Thanksgiving and again for Christmas.
We admire Keith for his kindness, vigor, and humor, and could think of no one better to the worthy task of restoring dignity, worth and hope to families facing hardship. Keith was also just recently awarded our 2nd Quarter MVP Award!
“MVP – that’s all of us, that’s what we do. MVP stands for “Making Visions Possible.” People come to us for help. They have a vision of a better future, and we make those visions possible.”
Keith Hills
Congratulations, Keith, on this excellent milestone! The GRACE Family is behind you 100%, and so thankful for your dedication to The Food Pantry and the people we serve. For any questions/requests you have regarding The Pantry or its services, those can now be directed to Keith.
