Local volunteer Vince Giaccone was honored today at the Zachary Food Pantry as AARP Louisiana presented him with the prestigious 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service. The ceremony took place at 11 a.m. at 5640 Rollins Road, and included a $1,000 donation to support the pantry's mission.

"Vince is a member of my church congregation and is involved with so many activities in our community. He is truly a selfless individual and ALWAYS looking for ways to help others," wrote Carla Murray in her nomination letter. "Vince helps others, mostly elderly and veterans, who can't help themselves. He is always kind and generous, and always forgiving to others. And he is a veteran as well," she went on to write.

As founder of "GLOVES" at Zachary United Methodist Church, Giaccone has made an indelible mark on the community through his leadership in supporting seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. His volunteer group specializes in building wheelchair ramps, completing home repairs, and assisting with property maintenance for those in need.

"Vince exemplifies a life of dedication and service supporting the people of Zachary and beyond," said Alfred Mason, AARP Louisiana state president and the 2021 Andrus Award recipient. "Through his work with GLOVES and the Zachary Food Pantry, he has made a profound difference in the lives seniors, veterans, and people with physical disabilities."

Giaccone also runs a program creating and delivering personalized quilts featuring military emblems to veterans at the local VA hospital, presenting them during birthday celebrations. His leadership proved particularly vital during the 2016 flood recovery, when he mobilized volunteers to help restore damaged homes.

"The Andrus Award is our highest honor, given to dedicated volunteers who are making a significant impact on their communities," noted Andrew Muhl, AARP Assistant State Director of Advocacy for Louisiana. "Louisiana has the highest number of seniors in the US struggling with food insecurity, so the work of organizations like Zachary Food Pantry are essential."

The Zachary Food Pantry was chosen as the ceremony venue because Giaccone is a regular volunteer and former board member who picked it to receive the $1000 grant given in honor of the Andrus Award Recipient. 

"Our operating budget is about $60,000 per year," explains Zachary Food Pantry executive director Mark Antoine. "We use that money to supplement what we're given by the Greater Baton Rouge Area Food Bank, which allows us to buy things like beef and chicken for our clients. This money will go directly back into the community that we serve."

For more information about AARP's Andrus Award or volunteer opportunities in Zachary, contact 

LaTonya S. Scott, Communications Director

Office: (225) 376-1158

Cell: (225) 252-1192

Email: [email protected]