SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF: PETRA CASTRO

The Community Center Food Bank relies upon the faithful service, leadership, and organizational skills of Petra Castro. Petra believes that you demonstrate being a Christian by blessing people. Much work and dedication support that blessing.

Serving with Maria Perez, Petra orders food from Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and coordinates other donations. Each Monday prior to distribution days, which occur the first and third Tuesday of each month, the Center’s box truck delivers what has been ordered, and Petra supervises unloading and storage.

During distribution, Petra coordinates volunteers and registers recipients. Through this interaction and service, she blesses the community.

Petra was born in Puerto Rico and raised during her school years in various areas of New Jersey. She fell in love with Lancaster and moved here, appreciative of the slower, quieter pace. Petra worked for 38 years, until her retirement, as office manager for the Lancaster City Fire Department. She has two daughters, three grandsons, and one granddaughter.

Petra visited the Alpha & Omega Church with her neighbor, Maria Perez, for about two years. When the church to which Petra belonged changed location, she made the decision to join Alpha & Omega. Loving the church’s vision for helping the community, Petra knew she had found a home. She cares deeply for others and prays faithfully and sincerely for their needs.