Tom MacDonald

Charlestown

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What appeared initially as a loss – downsizing in the computer industry – turned out to be a gain for Tom MacDonald when he found his calling in service as director at Harvest on the Vine (HOV) food pantry in Charlestown. 

 

HOV has grown from serving seven families in 2003 to more than 600 in 2024. Partnership with the JFK Family Service Center (JFKFSC) has been critical to this growth. JFKFSC provides produce for HOV clients whose access to fresh food is limited. In return, HOV allows JFKFSC to use its space as a staging area for its food delivery service. Additionally, JFKFSC clients are recipients of furniture, household goods and winter coats for kids, etc. that Tom procures through his relationship with St. Vincent De Paul Society.

 

Tom explained his motivation. I love doing it. I get to see the best of humanity,” he said. “The community is beautiful to me. It’s just one big family.”

 

Tom said he was “stunned” when he found out that he had been nominated as a 2024 ABCD Community Hero. “I am very thankful,” he said. I should be giving the JFK Family Service Center an award.”