Michael and Wilfredo Zayas
Dorchester
Home is where the heart is. Michael Zayas is a life-long Dorchester resident. While he knew about ABCD through his professional work, while walking down Dorchester Avenue in 2020, he saw people getting food from a refrigerator on the sidewalk– the Dorchester Community Fridge– became intrigued, and has been volunteering for mutual aid groups since.
“I encourage anyone to volunteer their time with the Dorchester Community Fridge or ABCD because I know that both entities are working toward improving the lives of those folks who are hurting the most right now,” Michael said.
By volunteering at the Dorchester Community Fridge now located outside ABCD’s Dorchester Neighborhood Opportunity Center, Michael provides free food to those in need. “It has brought me closer to my native Dorchester, and shone a light on the vast problem of food insecurity in Massachusetts.”
“I'm honored to be named an ABCD Community Hero. It feels great to be appreciated in this way.”
Michael spends free time with friends and family, lends his efforts to a mutual aid group that is partnered with ABCD, and recruits volunteers and food sources. Michael chuckled, “a lot of my free time is spent on the community fridge.”
It’s been said that a child shall lead them. Fred Zayas began volunteering at the Dorchester Community Fridge after his son Michael began volunteering there during COVID. “This experience has allowed me to witness community support from ABCD, along with director Kathy and her wonderful staff members,” he said.
Fred has lived in Dorchester for more than over 40 years with his wife and two wonderful children — , Natasha and Michael. He explained, “Volunteering has been a humbling experience, and gives me a sense of purpose, which I truly enjoy. I recommend that anyone that has time or the opportunity to volunteer, do so with a happy heart. The benefits outweigh the inconveniences.”
Fred is appreciative for the opportunity to support his community through the Dorchester Community Fridge. “I would like to thank all of the members involved in helping to make the Dorchester Community Fridge a reality and hope that in the future, there will be no need for such a thing as "food Insecurity" for all our sake. Thank you for this amazing opportunity and may God bless you all.”
In his free time, Fred enjoys spending time with his family, watching Sci-Fi movies and fishing.
