For the last 15 years, 96-year-old Art Polacheck, a Boca Raton resident, has been a dedicated volunteer at Boca Helping Hands. His tasks include packaging cupcakes, making sandwiches and filling pantry bags with groceries. He has also successfully encouraged his friends from the Rotary Club of Boca Raton to join him in volunteering at the organization, where they assist in distributing groceries to families in need every month.
Due to his passion for classic cars dating back to the 1940s, the World War II veteran once owned a classic car museum in Fort Lauderdale. In recognition of his extensive volunteer work, the Rotary Club of Boca Raton organized a classic car show in January, showcasing 75 vehicles to support Boca Helping Hands. The event successfully raised over $10,000 for the organization.
“People don’t realize that there are so many people in need right here in the Boca Raton area,” says Polacheck. “Boca Helping Hands steps in to help in so many ways – from feeding the hungry, to job training, to helping a family financially who had their electricity turned off. I’m so proud to volunteer here, and it’s equally as rewarding to me to contribute funds toward their job training program,” he said. “It’s incredible to be able to teach people a new skill they can form a career around.”
After growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Polacheck relocated to South Florida following his military service in World War II. There, he utilized the GI Bill to earn his degree from the University of Miami. Although he temporarily returned to Chicago to be near family, he ultimately returned to South Florida in 1980 to establish a thriving medical supplies business in Deerfield Beach, catering to over 12,000 clients.
Polacheck, now enjoying his retirement, dedicates his time to helping others. At Boca Helping Hands, Polacheck says he does “…whatever they ask me to do. It gives me great pleasure to volunteer, and I come home with a good feeling that I’ve really had a purpose and done something that someone else would enjoy.”
