A Hero Among Us

Tacoma, WA - Born and raised in Washington State, Peggy Parson grew up in a low income part of Seattle; the heavily urbanized area of White Center, located in western King County, is where she spent most of her childhood days.

Sometime after High School, Peggy joined the US Army, and was given an assignment to serve her country in Germany. While stationed there as a military police officer, she fell in love and married her co-worker, Randy Parson, her now late husband of 35 years.

Through many life experiences, including caring for her husband during his fight with cancer, juggling the demands of kids and family, her own disability, and several more moves, Peggy began to pour her time, energy, and heart into her volunteer efforts in the communities in which she lived. “I volunteered for a short period of time in Barstow, California, at a clothing closet, in a homeless shelter. I got a real eye opener when I started hearing their life stories, and realized that I had lived a relatively sheltered life”.

Peggy’s passion for others continued to be an important part of her life. However, it wasn’t until she moved back to Washington State some years later, and had an opportunity to work with the homeless Veterans there, that she determined volunteering was simply not enough - she needed to do something more.

On June 1st 2016, from garage #39, at the Tacoma Summit Apartments, Peg’s Clothing Closet opened its doors. “I think the clothing closet fills a need in the community. When people are struggling to make rent, buy food, and pay for the many needs that they have for their families, the cost of clothing can be an insurmountable burden... If you have no money, even the price of clothing at a thrift shop and be too much. Hopefully, I can help people get past that hurdle.”

More than 3 years later, Peggy’s kindness has continued to reach those in need, and many times has extended well beyond distributing free clothing, and small household items. “I have had people bring me mending, ask me to help them read papers when English is not their first language, and I've been able to watch [neighborhood] kids grow up right before my eyes. I get to be the person in the middle. People who have things they want to give away, but don't have time or are timid to have strangers come to their homes, can bring them to me and I can give them to people who need them; I get to help neighbor, help neighbor.”

According to the Pierce County’s Homeless Management Information System report, more than 10,800 people experienced homelessness last year; 49% families with children, 45% females, 8% Veterans, and 8% youth, and young adults.

Clearly, there is a great need for more good, kindhearted individuals like Peggy, to reach out, volunteer, serve, donate unwanted items, and offer their talents, skills, and abilities to help strengthen lives, and lead us towards the healing of our homes, families, and neighborhood communities.

Those who know and associate with Peggy Parsons, have not only been blessed by her generous heart, but have also been inspired by her heroic volunteer efforts. Her beautiful offering of love, and goodwill towards others, regardless of race, gender, income, or circumstance, is a shining example to us all, and is exactly the kind of hope, rescue, and resilience our communities need.

*For more information on community resources, activities, events, and uplifting messages, follow us on Facebook.

#SouthHillCommunity #YouCanDoSomething #StrongerTogether #GiveBack #Volunteer #SouthHillShareGoodness