Volunteers from left to right: Susan, Chip, Monica and Jil 

Dear friend,

For six years, once a week Rockwell Brown III, also known to family and friends as “Chip,” took a bus from SW Portland to volunteer at Preston's Pantry, Lift UP's shopping-style pantry that serves food to insecure residents in the Downtown and Northwest Portland area. 

“He was a very powerful force in a quiet way,” reflected Jil, a Lift UP volunteer and board member. “He didn't care about what part of the pantry he worked in...he would do whatever needed to be done.” 

More days than not, this involved the welcome and intake of clients on the computer. This role seems befitting considering Chip's computer science and technology background, coupled with what his Tuesday volunteer team described as a gentle, kind, and sweet demeanor.  His personality was a perfect fit for clients who were navigating the stresses of getting their basic needs met.

“I envied him--the way he was always patient,” said Emmanuel a long-time Lift UP volunteer and friend. 

His commitment to Lift UP's mission is notable. Even while dealing with health challenges off and on during his volunteer service, Chip made it a priority to do what he could, when he could. 

“His resilient spirit and commitment to volunteering was enduring until the end,” said Susan, a tenured Lift UP volunteer and former board member. 

As with any opportunity where people come together with a shared purpose, roots of relationships begin to form.  Members from the Tuesday volunteer team reminisced about coffee breaks taken at The Hostel Cafe between pantry set-up and opening, on their volunteer shifts together. Conversations that were had about life, books that were being read, and family, morphed into dinners and get togethers at each other's houses.

When contemplating Chip's life, Susan was reminded of a quote from Reverend Desmond Tutu, a South African leader, “I am because you are.”  

“I know I am better person for knowing Chip,” Susan says. 

Chip passed away in January. To echo the sentiments of Susan, the Lift UP team and clients served have been made better because of Chip's dedication and service. His heart and commitment are what make it possible for us to feed our community. May all of those who knew and served with Chip continue to find peace and comfort in his good deeds.

In gratitude of service,

The Lift UP Team

P.S. Volunteers play such an integral role in what we do at Lift UP. Find out how to get involved here. 

Food brings us together.