He’s 68 but Joseph E. Toon, Jr. is still Junior to those folks and the many volunteers who help at the agency. People know him because he is there as the quiet soft-spoken volunteer who for the past six or seven years has been there working about every day the agency is open.
He carries out food, stocks shelves, cleans the building, picks up food and supplies and, in some cases, drives clients home who have no transportation.
For his many unselfish acts, it was natural for him to be selected as the organization’s 2012 Volunteer of the Year.
“Junior has a genuine concern for people in our area who need assistance and is one of the most dedicated volunteers at the Food Pantry,” says Director Jackie Herndon. “He has many friends here and his great attitude makes him a true pleasure to work with. He is a person you can put your confidence in that jobs will be done and not be disappointed.”
Toon, who was born and reared in Graves County, graduated from St. Jerome High School. He is a Vietnam War veteran who went to work for Continental Tire after his military service. He retired from the plant in 2003 after 37 years of work there.
He started volunteering by assisting with the senior commodities distribution when it was at the Blue Building and then he got involved with the Food Pantry located on 9th St.
Besides being an “every day” volunteer, he serves on the agency’s Board of Directors and recently agreed to head up the Planning and Building Committee.
His wife, Joyce, is also a board member and volunteer.
Both are life-long members of St. Jerome Catholic Church.
The Toons have a son, Keith, and a daughter, Dr. Lisa Tack, a chiropractor in Calvert City, and two grandchildren.
