This story is part of a series highlighting seniors doing exceptional volunteer work in the community. The stories were part of a special print edition distributed throughout businesses in town.
Jan Tedrow has spent the last several years volunteering at the Eudora Food Pantry and the elementary school library.
Tedrow helps distribute and organize food for community members each Wednesday. Her work at the pantry is important to her because of her passion for helping those facing food insecurity.
She helps bag canned goods, pasta, sauce, rice, bread, eggs and meat for residents to pick up. Residents may also come downstairs to the pantry at St. Paul church to shop, which gives volunteers a chance to greet shoppers, she said. When the rush slows, she helps restock the shelves and sort new items. Making the space a welcoming atmosphere is an important part, Tedrow said.
“We have such a divisive society now that it’s such a good place to work with others and all we’re there for is the benefit of those who need it,” she said. “That’s a really good feeling.”
Tedrow once dreamed of being a school librarian but ended up working in special education and teaching for about 30 years. During her weekly volunteer work at the elementary school, she gets to fulfill that dream. She enjoys being around children again, and watching them as they learn to read.
She also started helping with the third through fifth grade singing group, Cardinal Singers. Since the group has grown, and with her music knowledge, she thought she could help keep students on task and get kids in and out of rehearsal.
Tedrow also attends monthly Senior Foundation of Eudora meetings and plays piano as attendees arrive.
She moved to Eudora about a decade ago. Getting involved with all these organizations gave her a way to meet people and learn more about the community.
She said she thinks she gains more than she could ever give with her volunteerism. Eudora’s school and overall generosity throughout the community is something that she tries to share whenever she can. Although the need stays consistent, it’s amazing to see how giving people are to the pantry, and it’s an honor to get to serve people who need it, she said.
