Potter's Food Pantry Director Named A Berkeley Hero

BERKELEY, NJ — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Jackie Bonney, who volunteers with Kathy Mazzi-Hess at Potter's Food Pantry.

Nominee: Kathy Mazzi-Hess

Where the nominee lives: Bayville

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker?" Yes.

What does the nominee do for work? Director of food pantry known as Potter's Pantry.

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Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored? Week after week Kathy devotes her time, energy and resources to feed the hungry. She has raised an amazing family who also devote themselves to the pantry. She has a regular job too! Kathy is a woman of great faith. She is hard working, optimistic, encouraging and inspiring. During this COVID crisis, she smoothly transitioned our indoor pantry to a weekly drive-thru pantry with at one point nearly 200 cars representing an estimated 1,000 people. Her faith and determination have been humbling and inspiring to me and our team of volunteers. Every week we see the tears and fears of countless people in need. Their expressions of gratitude from feed our souls!

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero? Her great faith and optimism are contagious!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

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