Debbie Snapp
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Truth Gatherers Victorious Church and the church's Pastor Joe Davis hold a food distribution on the fourth Saturday of every month at the church's location, which can be found at 599 Springhollow Rd.
Several volunteers arrive early in the morning to prepare for the more than 100 vehicles that arrive for the monthly giveaway.
Many of the volunteers start working hours before the 9 a.m. event begins, and stay well after the last vehicle leaves.
A volunteer is: “Somebody who works without pay,” according to the Encarta Dictionary. These volunteers that give up their Saturday mornings to serve the public are dedicated and filled with love and caring for their community and the people they serve.
DEACON JIMMY TAYLOR
Deacon Jimmy Taylor has been serving with the Truth Gatherers Victorious Church since its beginning in Monticello eight years ago.
He says that he serves as a “floater” during the monthly food distributions, and works “with a joyful heart.”
He is a Leon County resident and an active member of the Monticello church.
At each food giveaway hosted by his church, Deacon Taylor usually arrives early, around 4:30 a.m., to make sure the parking lot and yard area are clean and organized for the volunteers and for those picking up goods.
He is a retired import and export worker from Miami, Fla. and shares that this is the first time he has ever volunteered.
NATHAN JONES
Nathan Jones is a student at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where he is studying mechanical engineering so he can work in the field of robotics when his schooling is completed.
Jones says he volunteers at this food giveaway because his schooling has been stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He recently returned home to Jefferson County to finish his studies from the safety of his home. He is the son of Bob and Louise Jones, and they are also involved as volunteers at this event.
He made the decision to join them in this volunteering enterprise and is very excited to be stationed where he can meet and greet those arriving for a food pickup. “People need me, and I am here to help wherever I can,” he shares. “My friends in Orlando are doing the same thing that I am; volunteering at a local food giveaway.”
RYAN HALL
Ryan Hall is the son of Darryl and Carol Hall of Lamont and the grandson of David and Essie Mae Alexander of Monticello. He volunteers at the food giveaway with his parents as their family serves the community and the people that need them the most right now.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused his college classes to be completed at home. He is a freshman at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, where he is studying criminal justice.
Hall says he likes knowing that his volunteering is helping others, and the act of volunteering for others feels good.
“It's better than sitting at home,” he says. This is not the first time he has volunteered he adds.
Hall volunteered at several school drives and such during his high school years at Lincoln High in Tallahassee.
You must be logged in to post a comment.