Tale of Two Dons

Recognizing the two Dons in appreciation of the time they volunteer at the Lakeshore Food Club.

Don Allen (left) and Don Rivard (right)

Don Allen and Don Rivard are two of the mainstays in the volunteer corps for the Lakeshore Food Club. The two “Dons” work on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons every week and on other occasions as needed. They work tirelessly to make sure members have a quality experience and the shelves are stocked in the best possible manner.

Don Allen was born and raised in Detroit. He was an officer on the Detroit police force for seven years. Following his time in Detroit, Don moved to Ludington. He worked at Skoog Heating and Cooling before moving on to Ludington Hospital, where he worked for 30 years in the maintenance department. Don has one daughter and three grandchildren. Don couldn’t wait for the Food Club to open and volunteered as soon as the doors opened.

Don Rivard was also born in the Detroit area, in Highland Park. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he earned a degree in Aquatic Biology. Don spent time in Guatemala for the Peace Corps before embarking on a 32 year career with the Federal Government as a fish biologist. His work took him from Bolivia to Alaska; working with Native Americans. Don’s three children are 22, 20 and 19. Don is motivated by his Christian faith to give back to his community.