The annual prize is given to outstanding volunteers in the community. Calmis was one of 16 honorees.

Kristin Sulpizio, associate director of volunteer services at the food bank, nominated Calmis. The reason, she says, is evident: his tireless week-to-week work as well as his positive attitude.

"He takes the high road," she says. "He's a great reminder of what the human spirit can do."

Calmis has dedicated 4,000 hours to feeding the hungry in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

A diabetic for 25 years, Calmis' vision has deteriorated to the point where he can barely make out the faces of the people he interacts with. The disease has also affected Calmis' muscle movement, forcing him to rely on a walker, or what he jokingly refers to as his "Cadillac."

Yet his failing health has not deterred him from adroitly navigating between gigantic pallets of tuna, baby food and pasta. He guides visitors through various food stations while rattling off handling procedures and describing the organization's numerous food assistance programs.

Three months ago, Calmis left his home of 30 years for one better equipped for his current physical status.

Sulpizio says none of these challenges have stopped Calmis from serving the food bank.

"He doesn't let whatever physical limitation he has affect his ability to make the best of the every day," she says.

Calmis uses Outreach services to get to his job at the food bank three times a week. As a volunteer project food sort team leader, he oversees a group of 10 to 15 volunteers.

Calmis has always been there, whether he feels well or not, says Hector Gaytan, volunteer coordinator at the food bank. Even when Calmis fractured his hip six years ago, he returned to work as soon as possible.

"His discipline is outstanding," Gaytan says. "He's an amazing man and a motivation to all of us."

Calmis, who acknowledges being slightly uncomfortable from all the attention, says he's not sure whether he's a role model.

His original reasons for volunteering at the food bank, Calmis says, had more to do with staying busy after retirement than with altruism.

"I never thought in terms of giving back," he says. "I thought selfishly. I went to look for something that would keep my mind occupied."

Calmis, formerly a director of contracts, purchasing and security at Zeta Laboratories in San Jose, has a background in contract law. When he retired nine years ago, he volunteered at the Senior Adults Legal Assistance in San Jose. But his deteriorating vision made it increasingly difficult to complete the amount of reading the job required. He decided to volunteer for Second Harvest.

The work opened his eyes to many problems in the community, he says.

"As you do it for a while, you realize there are people who really need help," he says.

Over the years, Calmis was impressed by the organization, the primary local source for donated and surplus foods, which serves an average of 163,500 people each month.

He said working with "his army," the large number of volunteers from all walks of life, has been among his greatest learning experiences.

"It teaches me humility and how to communicate with different people," he says.

Calmis' ability to get along with everyone, Gaytan says, has made him a popular figure at the warehouse--and it shows.

In the break room, Calmis is surrounded by volunteers looking for a chat or quick joke from a man whose seemingly gruff shell hides a witty sense of humor.

"Paul is one of the best leaders I know," says Amielynn Abellera, a young AmeriCorps volunteer. "He's a real funny guy; very sarcastic. He keeps everything light, and he keeps us cheered up."

To Gaytan, Calmis' positive attitude despite his own hardships has become a personal inspiration.

"I'd like to have at least one-third of his energy and discipline," he says, adding, "We would like to keep him here forever."

Second Harvest Food Bank, 750 Curtner Ave., takes donations throughout the year. For more information about donations or volunteering call 408.266.8866.