Merced food bank volunteer doesn’t let disability stop him from giving
Tom Kivley spends hours filling bags of rice for the less fortunate at the Merced County Food Bank, but it isn’t enough for the 52-year-old.
When he gets home, Kivley can’t wait to continue his volunteer work by labeling more food bags for the needy. And despite relying on a walker for the past 10 years, Kivley doesn’t let his limitations stop him from giving back.
“I just enjoy it and feel fortunate to be in the position I’m in health-wise to do it,” Kivley said Friday sitting inside the food bank’s warehouse. “I have no plans to stop.”
Kivley fills 150 to 200 plastic bags of rice each day, which go inside boxes to be picked up by other nonprofits. He spends several more hours doing administrative work for the Merced County Food Bank on his computer at home, then labels more rice bags while watching his favorite college sports.
Kivley, who was born and raised in Merced, retired from a long career in law enforcement. But a diagnosis of neuropathy, which damages nerves in the peripheral nervous system, made it difficult to move without a walker.
Regardless of his health challenges, Kivley began volunteering in 1996 at the Ronald McDonald House in San Francisco and got hooked on helping others. He also volunteered for Catholic Charities before joining the county food bank six months ago.
Executive Director Bernadette Mello said Kivley goes above and beyond.
“He’s so inspirational and full of life,” Mello said. “It’s hard to find someone you can count on if it’s not a paid position, and we can count on Tom. He brings us hope and consistency.”
Atwater resident Dan Hong, 53, who’s known Kivley since third grade, said his friend can overcome any obstacle in life.
“He’s the first guy to lend a hand when you need help with something,” Hong said. “There were times he was in the hospital or some kind of treatment for most of the year, and he always had a smile.
“Whenever I had a bad day, I always told myself, ‘I can’t have a bad day,’” Hong continued, “‘Look at Tom. He’s never had a bad day in his life.’ He’s a great cheerleader and role model.”
But Kivley doesn’t take credit for his good work. Without a team of dedicated volunteers at the food bank, he said, the effort to feed hundreds would not be possible. “It’s not about me,” he said. “I’m one part of the whole process of getting the food to the people.”
Kivley said the other volunteers and staff at the food bank have become like his family. He hopes his story inspires others to give back – whether during the holidays or not – and never allow life’s obstacles to stop them.
“There are many levels people can volunteer at and be a big help, even if they think it’s a small piece,” Kivley said. “The volunteers talk and have fun. Time goes by quickly, and we’re helping people. How can it get better?”
Sun-Star staff writer Ramona Giwargis can be reached at (209) 385-2477 or rgiwargis@mercedsunstar.com.
Editor’s Note: “Merced Matters” appears every Monday. In it we will tell the stories of Mercedians – ordinary people doing extraordinary things, extraordinary people doing ordinary things and a lot in between. Contact Victor Patton at vpatton@mercedsunstar.com or (209) 385-2431 with your ideas for “Merced Matters.”
This story was originally published December 20, 2014 at 9:25 PM with the headline "Merced food bank volunteer doesn’t let disability stop him from giving."