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Bringing energy to the Enfield Food Shelf, a great-grandmother continues serving a greater good

92-year-old Barbara Costas celebrates 55 years of volunteering.

ENFIELD, Conn. — A woman in Enfield is celebrating decades of volunteering by doing what she does best, helping others. 

“I’m 92 years old and I’m 4'10",” laughed Barbara Costas just after loading bags full of food into the trunk of her green Toyota. 

Costas is, by all accounts, a super senior continuing to spread goodwill for her community. 

For the past 55 years, Costas has been a volunteer at the Enfield Food Shelf, where she still helps out three days a week. 

"It’s not only for the holidays, I do this all year round," Costas said. 

Even at 92 years old, Costas buys groceries for food-insecure families in Enfield and still delivers them – driving to different stops each Wednesday.

“I couldn’t sit home and knit and crochet that would bore me, to tears,” Costas said. “The people are the best part of it, they love me, and I love them and that’s what keeps me going.”

Inside a bustling Enfield Food Shelf, Kathleen Souvigney, the executive director said of Costas, “She is a force to be reckoned with as I would describe her, and her real interest is helping people.” 

Souvigney’s husband Ben, who also assists at the Food Shelf said of Costas, “She has been doing this (volunteering) for 50-something years, it’s just amazing that somebody her age is contributing that much.”

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After finishing up some of her holiday drop-offs Costas said, “As long as God gives me the strength and the blessings to be able to do this then I will do it as long as possible.”

To donate or to learn more about the Enfield Food Bank click here

Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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