George and Lien Kent are the definition of teamwork! This amazing husband and wife duo work together to pick up donated groceries several times every month – George drives and Lien packs and loads the food.

That might not seem very special until we tell you that they do all this despite the fact that George no longer has any legs! 

His adaptive vehicle allows him to not only get around town but he’s using it in a way where they can bless others!

Their joy is infectious and encouraging!

Sara Melchor is a Getting Ahead graduate who’s giving back in so many ways as she works to move her family out of poverty and into stability. 

Sara always seems to be in “yes mode” when it comes to volunteering at Common Heart. She’s a Cupboard Ally volunteer delivering groceries once a month, helps provide meals for our current Getting Ahead sessions and serves at our food pantries too. As a fluent Spanish speaker, she’s extra special to have around during our evening food pantries.

Jillyn Powell is a Cupboard Ally volunteer who consistently goes above and beyond for the families she serves. She has built some wonderful friendships over the years.

One of her families suffered a horrible loss. A son was hit by a car while playing outside and later died. Their grandmother passed soon after.  

Jillyn “was a rock,” mom said, providing a helping hand and listening. She helped with funeral arrangements, coordinated meal drop-offs and set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help, collecting nearly $4,000 for the family.

Bruce Gorrell is a long-time Common Heart volunteer and what you would call a VERY active retiree! This veteran and former commercial pilot is a superhero around Common Heart, “flying” around town twice a week to three different Food Lion stores every week to gather donated groceries.

If that wasn’t enough, during tax season he also has volunteered in our free income tax service for the past 5 years, serving as the site manager for the last 4 years!

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