Hunger Advocate Receives AARP Kansas Andrus Award

Frank McBride of Salina is the 2013 winner of AARP's most prestigious award for community service in the state.  Each year, AARP presents the Ethel Percy Andrus Award for Community Service to an individual or individuals who, through volunteer service, significantly enhance the lives of those in their community.  This award symbolizes that individuals have the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

 

The 2013 Andrus Award for Community Service was presented to McBride at a luncheon ceremony on November 4, 2013 in Salina where he was surrounded by family and friends.  McBride is a founding partner of Evans Grain Company who, the young age of 75, began working to alleviate hunger in his community by collecting discarded produce from a local store and distributing it to those in need.

 

“Frank is well-deserving of the award that honors AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus,” said Glenda DuBoise, AARP Kansas Volunteer State President who presented the award to McBride along with AARP Kansas Director Maren Turner.  “His record of service to his community demonstrates his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

 

“The Andrus award acts as a symbol to members and the public that we can all work together for positive social change.  AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their neighbors, communities, and the programs they serve.”

 

McBride became an advocate for feeding the hungry at age 75 and for the last 15 years has personally delivered or coordinated the delivery of food and produce to local organizations. In 2002, he was recognized for his efforts by National Public Radio and awarded the E-town E-Chievement Award.

 

After graduating high school, Frank served three years in the Army Air Corps as a radio operator during World War II.  He graduated from Kansas State University in 1949 and, after working in the grain industry for several years, became the founding partner of Evans Grain Company.  During his 42 years in the grain business, Frank served as president of the Kansas Grain & Feed Dealers Association and as a director of the National Grain and Feed Association.  He is a member of Salina’s First United Methodist Church, the Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation, and the Salina Masonic Lodge.

 

Frank is also a skilled woodworker who has built over 1,000 weathered wood crèches that have been shipped to all 50 states and foreign countries.

 

McBride was nominated for the Andrus Award by his daughter, Susan Pike.  Other nominees for the award were David Wilson, Overland Park; Diane Rose Taylor, Topeka; Eileen Bellairs, Ogallah; and Dee Schwinn, Emporia.