Vincent Macrina is proud to have one of the most coveted jobs at the Coalition of Service and Charity
(COSAC) shelter. He makes sure the about 150 people who pass through the shelter’s doors each
day are fed.

Macrina, 50, has lived at COSAC for the past four years and has been the shelter’s kitchen manager for five months. He took over the position after the former kitchen manager had to move to New York to take care of his sick mother.

"I cooked all my life for my kids," says Macrina, who was born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. "I’ve always had a [knack] for cooking. Like when I was little, watching my mom cook and helping her out I always wanted to go to culinary arts school, but I just never got around
to going."

Although the bald-headed, hazel-eyed kitchen manager is doing something he enjoys, he says that the job comes with a few negatives.

"There are days when I am back
here, and I really do need help, and I have no help. It just gets to be a real
long, hectic day."

Though the hours are long, Macrina finds his work rewarding. He serves about 40 to 50 people for lunch and anywhere from 100 to 150 for dinner.

With so many people savoring his food daily, Macrina has made numerous
friends at the shelter.

"I try to keep my inner-circle down to a minimum of about five to six people," Macrina says. "But I have a lot of acquaintances here."