Volunteer plans to give food pantry $5K she was awarded from Surprise Squad
Sponsored by Valley Toyota Dealers
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Jo Ann is the type of person who’s not looking for attention or praise. She just wants to help out those who could use a helping hand. That’s why she volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry based out of Church of the Resurrection in Tempe. She’s the manager there at least two days a week, but those who know her say she invests much more time than that.
“She leads by example,” says Raul, another volunteer who works closely with Jo Ann.
Not only does she make sure the pantry is stocked and food and hygiene products are delivered to those who can’t get out of their homes, but she’s always keeping an eye out for others. That’s why he nominated her for a visit from Simone Cuccurullo and the Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad.
Jo Ann seemed surprised when the crew walked into the pantry looking for her. “We heard that you’re the pantry manager here,” Simone said with a smile.
“Yes” Jo Ann replied. “Me and my team. I couldn’t do it without them.” Jo Ann went on to tell Simone that she’s been volunteering at the pantry for 11 years. She keeps volunteering because she feels like she’s giving something of herself to people that can really use it.
Jo Ann spoke about a time recently when a man named Andre came into the pantry. He lives in the nearby neighborhood and got there with the help of a walker. Jo Ann noticed it was old and falling apart, so with her own money she bought him a new walker, but she told him it was courtesy of the pantry, not her own goodwill.
“We love hearing about all the good stuff you guys are doing,” Simone said. “On behalf of our Valley Toyota Dealers, our sponsor, we have a surprise for you. Would you open this up for us?”
She handed Jo Ann an envelope.
“Oh my goodness,” Jo Ann said as she opened it and took out the certificate inside and saw that she was being awarded $5,000. “I’m shaking.”
Displaying her giving spirit, Jo Ann said she planned to give the money back to the pantry.
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