Employee Spotlight: Ken Hayes Sr. A City Employee Committed to Community Service

In the blistering heat, a line of residents stretches around the Toledo Police Patrolmen's Association, sitting in chairs and exchanging friendly conversation. Inside, Ken Hayes Sr. and a team of volunteers move with purpose, their hands flying furiously as they assemble bags of food in a well-oiled machine of generosity. Together, they are ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry—at least not on Hayes Sr.'s watch.

Ken Hayes Sr., the director of the Grand Lodge Food Pantry, has been instrumental in providing food to those in need in Toledo, but he emphasizes that he can’t do it alone. “We rely heavily on volunteers,” Hayes Sr. said. “These dedicated individuals come every month to help us serve the community, and most of them are city employees.”

Ken is proud of the pantry's outreach. “We hand out about 27,000 to 28,000 meals a year, serving roughly 6,500 to 7,200 people,” Hayes Sr. said. “We aim to provide two weeks’ worth of food, including vegetables, canned goods, pastas, fruits, and even sweets.”

The pantry’s history is intertwined with Ken’s involvement in the Masonic Lodge. “It started as our community give-back,” Hayes Sr. said. “When the original founder passed away, he left the pantry to me. I’ve worked hard to adapt and keep it going.”

Ken’s commitment to the pantry and the City is unwavering. “I take a vacation day every month to run the pantry,” Hayes Sr. said. “Some of my coworkers even take time off to help out.”

Ken Hayes Sr. has been a steadfast presence in Toledo's city departments since 2000. His dedication and hard work saw him rise through the ranks to become an equipment operator, eventually overseeing special projects. His notable projects included managing a demolition program that aimed to clear unsafe structures from Toledo.

“I took the test to become a foreman and made it,” Hayes Sr. said. “Since then, I’ve been involved in every program the City offers, from special projects and demolition to street sweeping and pothole repairs.”

When the department split, Ken remained with Urban Beautification, where he currently supervises the Blight and Borders division. “Our mission is to keep this community clean,” Hayes Sr. said. “My crews handle illegal dumping and pick up items left out in front of houses that Republic Services don't collect. We also board up houses to prevent squatting and ensure safety.”

Ken's commitment to community service is deeply rooted in his upbringing. “I started as a kid, actually serving food at church with my mom,” he said. “I’ve always loved helping people, and it’s something that’s grown with me over the years. I love seeing people happy and making their days better.”

Ken’s personal life mirrors his professional commitment. Growing up in Spencer Township, he learned the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. “We grew everything we ate,” Hayes Sr. said, reminiscing about his childhood in what he fondly calls “the country.”

After attending Rogers High School, Ken moved to Columbus in 1992, where he pursued various technical and engineering courses. By 1997, he had returned to the Toledo area, starting his career with the county engineers before joining the city in 2000.

Currently residing in South Toledo, Ken is a devoted family man. “I’ve been married for 20 years, and we have four kids together. My youngest is 15,” Hayes Sr. said.

His dedication to Toledo and its residents is clear. “I love working for the City,” Hayes Sr. said. “It’s about more than just a job. It’s about helping people and making sure no one goes without food. This means the world to me.”

Thank you, Ken Hayes Sr., for your unwavering dedication to our community and for all that you do for the residents of Toledo.

City employees can contribute to the Grand Lodge Food Pantry by donating through their annual 908 forms or linking their Kroger cards, allowing the pantry to receive donations with every purchase. Every contribution makes a difference in our community.

To volunteer or donate to the Grand Lodge Pantry please visit: https://grandlodgefoodpantry.org