Entry Gallery

Anna Jones

Oregon

2012 Winner

Portland, OR
Nominated by Andy Catts

Volunteered for:

Clackamas Service Center/Kendall Community Center (same place, name changed)

Length of Service:

41 years

Hours per Month:

40+

March 6, 2012

Anna Jones is a volunteering hero. This, I think is a fact that no one can deny.

In 1971, she saw a need in the rapidly urbanizing area of NW Clackamas County. Many families in the area were impoverished and in need of a place to get a little help, learn some skills and make some friends. Anna, along with two friends, decided to start the Kendall Community Center by donating their time and $1,000 each to begin the project.

Many years went by, and many changes came to the Center, but Anna never left. Each Tuesday and Thursday, without fail, Anna has come to the Clackamas Service Center to offer a caring hand and some motherly Italian advice to anyone within earshot. While her role at the Center has changed multiple times over the years, her most recent role (recent being 15+ years!) has been operating our clothing room.

Anna lovingly organizes, sorts and displays clothing, bedding and other household goods to be given to our clients for free. She helps pick up donations from local stores and sells the items we can't use to bring in a little money for the Center's operations. Hundreds of individuals and families have clothing on their backs because of the work Anna does. I cannot imagine what life would be like for those who are homeless if Anna did not seek out warm clothing and blankets for them each winter.

Anna has loved and cared for the people of our area, and many who come wandering through, for over 41 years. She is the most dependable and reliable volunteer I have ever had. I can say without a doubt that many of the hardened homeless on the street would be more than willing to take a bullet for this kind woman who has given countless hours of her life serving those who have no one else.