Malvern Woman Fosters Giving Amid Coronavirus: Local Hero

MALVERN, PA — 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 Lisa Cuozzo, who nominated her mother Maryellen Cuozzo of Malvern.

Maryellen is the founder of SHARE, a group that collects and delivers needed items to improve the lives of individuals and families in and around Chester County.

Where the nominee lives:
Malvern

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Abingdon, MD

Name of the nominee:
Maryellen Cuozzo

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Lisa Cuozzo

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
No

What does the nominee do for work?:
As the founder of SHARE (a giving circle in Malvern), Maryellen (and others she recruits) collects and delivers needed items to improve the lives of individuals and families in and around Chester County. She promotes the need on Facebook and the SHARE website and encourages everyone to donate whatever they can.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
She is a hero for the needy in Chester County! A retired elementary school teacher and long time Malvern resident (44 years!), Maryellen ("Mrs. C" as she is known throughout Malvern) founded SHARE in order to spread happiness, aid and respect to everyone. The mission is to help anyone in the Chester County area who needs something. Through her efforts SHARE has grown into a generous group of over 100 individuals who give to various people and organizations.

Before COVID-19 Maryellen (who is 75!) hosted monthly "donation drops" at the Malvern library. She will not let this pandemic stop SHARE's wonderful work. Now that COVID-19 hit, the need is even greater so SHARE continues to support those in need through no-contact donations and no-contact deliveries. Currently SHARE is stocking the food pantry at the Patrician Society in Norristown and filling "dora bags" for individuals experiencing homelessness.

SHARE recipients have included a school for special needs in Coatesville, several homeless shelters, veterans, Gift of Life House, St. Rocco's Mission in Avondale, People's Pantry, and St. Patricks in Norristown. Even at this time, she never says "no" to anyone and goes above and beyond to be sure organizations receive everything they need. If you tell her "X needs Y" then X will have a dozen boxes of Y delivered to them within a week. If she does not receive enough through donations then she purchases additional items herself. She is one of the most compassionate, generous people in Malvern.
(See www.sharemalvern.com or search for SHARE Malvern on Facebook).

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
She will help anyone and everyone all the (and talk 10 more people into doing the same!)

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.