Volunteer Profiles - Feeding Community, Building Connection at Second Harvest

When it comes to the heartbeat of Second Harvest Food Bank, two names rise to the top—John Fitzgibbon and Kit Wheeler. These extraordinary volunteers exemplify what it means to serve with both consistency and heart, each contributing in powerful, complementary ways to nourish the community and uphold the dignity of every neighbor in need.

Both John and Kit were recently honored at the 2025 Be the Difference Awards, a community celebration recognizing outstanding volunteer service across Santa Cruz County. Their contributions stood out not just for the number of hours given—but for the depth of care, connection, and compassion they bring to their roles.

John Fitzgibbon brings soul to the food bank’s mission—showing up weekly to distribute meals with warmth and care at Pajaro Loaves & Fishes, while also working behind the scenes to strengthen donor relationships that fuel the organization’s growth. With 16+ volunteer hours each week, John has personally connected with thousands of donors, offering gratitude, sharing stories of impact, and ensuring supporters feel like true partners in the fight against hunger. His calls build trust, inspire giving, and help keep the shelves stocked and the meals flowing.

John shares,

“After I retired from Higher Education Publishing, I knew I wanted to give back to society and volunteer at a highly respected non-profit like Second Harvest Food Bank. I learned in a psychology course that when we generate more kindness towards others, we become happier and full of gratitude. My work became more meaningful this past year because we have suffered so many cutbacks in food distribution—so I help to make up the difference. My happiness increased even more when I received a Be the Difference Award and also an Outstanding Volunteer Award from Second Harvest. I am so grateful to work with such dedicated colleagues.”

What sets John apart is his unwavering presence—at every food distribution, every fundraiser, and every appreciation event, he shows up not just to help, but to uplift. He embodies the food bank’s values of dignity, community, and care in everything he does.

Kit Wheeler, meanwhile, is a rock in the daily operations of the warehouse. With over 860 volunteer hours and more than 300 shifts under his belt, Kit is Second Harvest’s unofficial “morning crew captain.” He sorts food Monday through Friday like clockwork, filling grocery bags with fresh produce and pantry staples for the 65,000 people Second Harvest serves each month. When volunteer groups cancel or extra hands are needed, Kit is the first call—and he always says yes.

Now serving as a Lead Volunteer, Kit trains and orients newcomers, guides them through their shifts, and handles the tough jobs others avoid, like composting spoiled produce. His humility, kindness, and steady work ethic set the tone for everyone around him.

Together, John and Kit represent two powerful pillars of service: relational and operational. One connects the community through words and presence; the other through hands-on, daily commitment. Their combined efforts have helped provide well over 100,000 meals—and even more than that, they’ve offered hope, respect, and humanity.

They are proof that volunteering at Second Harvest is more than a task—it’s a way of life. And because of them, Santa Cruz County is healthier, stronger, and more connected.