05/19/2026
This month, we are shining a light on retired educators who continue to make a difference in their communities long after leaving the classroom!
One inspiring example is Greg Gierhart, who was recently named the 2026 Volunteer of the Year by the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association. Greg has spent decades serving his community through volunteer work focused on helping families facing food insecurity and hardship. He has been a driving force behind the Needline food distribution program, helping organize large-scale food collection and distribution efforts that support hundreds of families each month.
Greg also volunteers with organizations including Angels’ Attic, Soup for the Soul, the Rotary Club, and local holiday assistance programs. His leadership has helped mobilize volunteers, raise funds, reduce food waste, and ensure vital resources reach people in need throughout his community. In the past year alone, Greg contributed more than 3,300 volunteer hours.
Stories like Greg’s remind us that retired educators continue to lead with compassion, dedication, and service every day!
