Effort To Feed The Hungry Honored

A Salina man is honored by AARP with its highest volunteer award. The organization honored 90-year-old Frank McBride with its 2013 outstanding community service volunteer award during a luncheon banquet in Salina on Monday.

Each year, AARP, the nonprofit membership organization for people 50 and over, presents its most prestigious award, the Ethel Percy Andrus Award for Community Service, to an individual or individuals who, through volunteer service, significantly enhance the lives of those in their community. This award symbolizes that individuals have the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

McBride, who is a founding partner of Evans Grain Company, 15-years ago began working to alleviate hunger in Salina. At the age of 75 he became an advocate for feeding the hungry. Since then has personally delivered or coordinated the delivery of food and produce to local organizations. In 2002, he was recognized for his efforts by National Public Radio and awarded the E-town E-Chievement Award.

McBride tells KSAL News that he is overwhelmed by the award.

“Frank is well-deserving of the award that honors AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus,” said Glenda DuBoise, AARP Kansas Volunteer State President who presented the award to McBride along with AARP Kansas Director Maren Turner. “His record of service to his community demonstrates his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

“The Andrus award acts as a symbol to members and the public that we can all work together for positive social change. AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their neighbors, communities, and the programs they serve.”

After graduating high school, McBride served three years in the Army Air Corps as a radio operator during World War II. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1949 and, after working in the grain industry for several years, became the founding partner of Evans Grain Company. During his 42 years in the grain business, Frank served as president of the Kansas Grain & Feed Dealers Association and as a director of the National Grain and Feed Association. He is a member of Salina’s First United Methodist Church, the Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation, and the Salina Masonic Lodge.

McBrideis also a skilled woodworker who has built over 1,000 weathered wood crèches that have been shipped to all 50 states and foreign countries.

McBride was nominated for the Andrus Award by his daughter, Susan Pike. Other nominees for the award were David Wilson, Overland Park; Diane Rose Taylor, Topeka; Eileen Bellairs, Ogallah; and Dee Schwinn, Emporia.