Jimmy Boone of Hartford is Kenergy’s new Member of the Year.The 55-year-old Atmos Energy employee leads the efforts of the Ohio County Food Pantry, which helped nearly 700 families in October. That number does not take into account 200 or so schoolchildren served weekly through the pantry’s Backpack Ministry. The Backpack Ministry sends kids home on Friday with enough food to last the weekend.
In addition, the Ohio County Food Pantry shares its bounty with a ministry in eastern Kentucky that has ties to Boone’s church.
“God has called me,” he said. “This is my ministry.”
Boone uses two of his own trucks and trailers to pick up thousands of pounds of food donated monthly to the pantry. He estimates he volunteers at least 20 hours a week to the nonprofit.
“It’s a lot of work, and it’s not easy work,” said the Rev. Stephen Seaford, interim pastor at Living Faith Baptist Church in Hartford. The food pantry is one of the church’s ministries.
Boone attends Living Faith and has been part of its food ministry since 2006. He became the director in 2009.
Boone works 50- to 60-hour weeks as a town operator at Atmos. He volunteers at the food pantry in addition to his full-time job.
“Working with the food pantry makes me realize how truly blessed I am,” Boone said.
To honor his dedication and volunteerism, Kenergy donated $1,000 to the Ohio County Food Pantry.
Judges also selected two finalists. They are Ray Whistle of Panther and Jill Ward of Owensboro.
The cooperative donated $100 to nonprofits for which Whistle and Ward volunteer. A $100 donation went to the Moseleyville Fire Department in Whistle’s honor. And $100 went to New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services, where Ward helps victims of abuse.
“Kenergy members are amazing,” said Renee Beasley Jones, communications and public relations manager. “Their volunteerism improves the quality of life in the communities where they live. The Member of the Year program honors our members’ efforts.”
This is the third time Kenergy has selected a Member of the Year. Past winners were Joe Elliott and Rebecca Baughn, both of Daviess County.
