For Bill Hunter, the folks at the Ambleside Loaves & Fishes Center are family. For more than five years he has spent half of each day at the center and become an integral part of the daily operation.

"I had just retired and was looking for a part-time job," Bill said. "AARP and the National Council on Aging hired me and placed me at the old Gresham Loaves & Fishes Center. I started out as a greeter and then began helping out with the Meals-On-Wheels coolers. It was supposed to be a job that lasted just a year, but it lasted nearly five!"

When his paid position ended, Bill continued working as a volunteer. When the Loaves & Fishes Center moved to the new Ambleside location, Bill was right there to help with the transition. Now he's Kitchen Coordinator Ryan Nath's right hand man. He helps prep in the kitchen, prepares the cooler for Meals-On-Wheels routes and then helps dish up the food for the routes. He knows just about everyone who comes into the center for lunch.

"I spend so much time here that these folks are just like family to me," Bill said. "There are people who come in here who are in their 80s and 90s who go dancing five times a week! It's an inspiration."

Bill spent his working life as a janitor and is used to hard work. His daughter, son-in-law and five-year-old grandson live nearby. Life is good.

"You never know just how many volunteers it takes to get things done until you work behind the scenes like I do," Bill said. "Volunteers really are what keep things moving around here."