NewmarketToday continues its fifth annual tradition of marking the giving season by celebrating Newmarket's Community Angels — the people whose kindness, compassion and community spirit help make our town one of the best to live in the country.
When Duke Deger’s wife, Anne Lockerbie-Thom, passed away a few years ago, he was lost without any purpose and struggling to eat.
He lost 87 pounds and became a shut-in for nearly two years with nowhere to go and no one to see.
Now he’s one of the most well-known and committed volunteers in the community after getting involved with the Newmarket Food Pantry’s community fridge.
He was initially invited more than a year ago to use the fridge by the Newmarket Food Pantry and that’s when everything changed.
Since then, he’s been in front of the Newmarket Public Library every day doing what he can to help others who struggle with food insecurity as the fridge's guardian angel.
Known as the “gentle giant,” Deger used the fridge for about a month when he was approached by the food pantry about helping out and he said that he couldn’t say no.
The 33-year Newmarket resident has been out at the fridge so much, it’s believed he has the record for most consecutive days of volunteering. He’s been out there every holiday, including Christmas, as well as on his birthday.
“I enjoy doing this so much, I want to continue doing it for as long as I can,” he said.
Deger found it enthralling to have somewhere to be and community members to help. He’s loved being a part of something again and getting to interact with people.
Being a former musician, Deger says he was an extrovert before he lost his wife and this gives him a reason to get out and be part of something again.
“I don’t take a day off because I enjoy being here and talking to people,” he said.
It’s the people that keep Deger out there and active. He loves to talk to everybody and he’s hard to miss with his height, beard, and friendly smile making him stick out.
If you go to the fridge, you’ll notice him helping those who utilize it get their items and those who donate to stock their items. The Newmarket Food Pantry has said he’s vital to the project because he’s so committed to ensuring it works and helps make up for them being short on volunteers.
Deger cleans the fridge every morning and afternoon and helps with deliveries in between.
“A little food can make somebody happy and people like to know a friendly face is standing here to help,” he said.
Having a judgment-free community fridge like this is something Deger said every community needs and he knows first hand how important it is as someone who needed to utilize it during the most difficult time of his life.
With the cost of living going up and food insecurity being an increasing issue, Deger said he’s seen first hand all levels of people who need to access it for one reason or another.
“It’s amazing how much good it does,” he said.
He loves being able to provide a friendly experience for those who may be struggling and help turn what can be an anxiety-inducing experience into a more joyous one. Deger said it’s like Christmas morning every time he gets to meet a new face and help them feel comfortable about using the fridge.
“It’s been really rewarding,” he said.
