December 2023: Volunteer Spotlight

This month, we want to highlight the work of Tony Cordaro. Tony has always been dedicated to his community and has been fighting food insecurity for over 20 years now. We truly appreciate his hard work and dedication to our mission each month. Look out for Tony every week in the soup kitchen!

Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you originally from? How long have you lived in Greenville?

My wife, Mary, and I relocated from New York to Greenville in June of this year. I recently retired as an internist after 50 years of private practice. For the last 20 years, I coordinated a volunteer food insecurity program in Nassau County on Long Island. Each evening at 10:00PM I collected unused and unsalable food from a local supermarket. The next morning, I brought the food to my office for distribution to local churches, for use in their pantries. I guess you could say that feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and helping those who have nothing is my passion.   

How often do you volunteer at Project Host?

 I typically volunteer at least 3 to 4 days a week. 

How did you learn about Project Host and what drew you to volunteering in the Soup Kitchen? 

I learned about PH through members of the Greenville Rotary. 

Volunteering at the Soup Kitchen provides an opportunity to connect with the local community and allows me to actively participate in addressing issues of poverty, hunger, and inequality.  In addition, I truly missed the volunteer work I did each day in New York and wanted to keep the momentum going. 

What motivates you to spend your time at Project Host? 

My basic motivation is a genuine concern for the well-being of others and a desire to give back to the community.  

What’s your favorite memory from volunteering? 

The smiles, the laughter and the genuine appreciation expressed by our guests are memories that are etched in my mind. Also, another impactful memory has been the opportunity to interact with the diverse individuals who rely on the soup kitchen services. Each person I’ve met has a unique story and background, contributing to the rich tapestry of Greenville’s community.

How has volunteering at Project Host shaped/changed your view of Greenville? 

I would say that volunteering at Project Host has not changed my view of Greenville, but has profoundly shaped my perspective on this vibrant community. Initially I was drawn to PH by a desire to give back and now my experiences have provided a clear understanding of Greenville and its residents. The soup kitchen acts as a microcosm of Greenville’s compassionate spirit.  It’s not just a place where meals are served, it’s a hub of support where volunteers and guests alike form connections beyond the immediate act of providing food. These interactions have made me realize the depth of community bonds that exist in Greenville.