Entry Gallery

2012 Entry

Contest Closed

Clark Paradise

United States

2012 Winner

Tom's River, NJ
Nominated by Robin O'Reilly

Volunteered for:

Your Grandmother's Cupboard

Length of Service:

7 years

Hours per Month:

40+

View Winner Video

February 7, 2012

<< Previous Entry

Next Entry >>

In the winter of 2005, Jean and Clark Paradise became aware of three camps of homeless individuals living in the woods outside of Lakewood, NJ. With the help of Minister Steve Brigham, they started bringing blankets, clothing, and portable heaters to the camps. They soon learned that these folks were lacking personal care items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.

Answering the call to action, they asked friends and family to gather clothes, blankets and personal care items to bring to the tent city. The response was positive, the generosity more than they expected. They sought out others who would need the remaining donations. What they discovered was shocking. They found that there were many families living in motel rooms throughout Ocean County and hundreds more barely getting by, and so they continued to ask for donations and brought them to motels, the tent city, soup kitchens and shelters. As word spread about their ministry, they started to receive phone calls requesting help from church groups and individuals. As the need grew, so did their ambition and so Your Grandmother's Cupboard was born. From a small donated space in Ocean County, they now operate from locations in Toms River and Phillipsburg, The "Cupboard" has acquired three enclosed trailers and two mini-vans that are used to serve thousands of homeless and nearly homeless families and individuals every month throughout New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania.

What should have been a quiet retirement for Jean and Clark has turned into a full time job. Both in their 80's they visit over 25 soup kitchens, shelters and motels every month bringing a trailer full of donated clothes, blankets, books, food and toiletries.

Is this you? If you were nominated by someone else and do not wish to take part in this contest, opt out here.

Comments and stories from others

Comments are closed for this entry and all 2012 entries.

February 7, 2012 at 12:31 pm | Posted by Wendy Farquhar
This is an AMAZING CHARITY. I have seen first hand how many people they have helped. Clark and Jean depend on donations so they may donate to others. The charity would be able to help so many more if granted the donation of the money. I honestly do not know another charity that is more deserving.
February 7, 2012 at 16:50 pm | Posted by Michelle
Imagine living a day/week/month without toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and anything else you may consider a necessity. There are people that you come in contact with everyday that live without these things that most of us take for granted. Because of "Your Grandmother's Cupboard", more and more people have access to these necessities. This organization would greatly benefit from this prize of a donation and help Clark and Jean to continue their selfless devotion to those in need.
February 7, 2012 at 16:52 pm | Posted by Jeffrey R
Clark and Jean are inspiring people and deserve this help of a donation to support their cause!
February 7, 2012 at 17:04 pm | Posted by Dennis Paradise
Clark and Jean started Your Grandmother's Cupboard from their living room. The "Cupboard" now operates out of three facilities in New Jersey and operates a small fleet of vans and trailers bringing much needed items throughout the state. This is an all volunteer organization. Your support is greatly appreciated.
February 7, 2012 at 17:36 pm | Posted by C LaSala
This group fulfills a serious need in our society that not only supports the homeless but gives them an opportunity to get back into society. With items we take for granted, such as soap and clean clothes and shoes. These things could mean the difference between a job for a homeless person to step out of the poverty cycle. Their work is truly a gift to us all. Any gift or prize they receive will benefit not just the homeless but all of us.
February 7, 2012 at 21:29 pm | Posted by Jessica G.
Your Grandmother's Cupboard does an amazing job serving those in need throughout NJ. Jean and Clark are so good at what they do because they truly care and they inspire those around them. Please vote for YGC and help Jean and Clark continue their mission to serve.
February 7, 2012 at 23:24 pm | Posted by Renee Paddock
I am so fortunate in my own life, and am happy to support the work that the wonderful people at Your Grandmother's Cupboard do for those who are in need.
This organization is so needed and so deserving of this award to help further their mission!
February 8, 2012 at 07:38 am | Posted by ellen
Their hearts are so big...it's just a natural thing for them to be so giving. It has filtered down to their sons.....
February 8, 2012 at 09:00 am | Posted by KHB
What amazing and admirable people, their dedication to make a difference is surely something to be celebrated and recognized in a big way!
February 8, 2012 at 09:00 am | Posted by Maureen Clayton
Thank God for the kindness of people like Jean and Clark! Here a couple in their 80's can make such an impact, imagine if we all did just a little bit. Thank you for all you do!
February 8, 2012 at 11:28 am | Posted by linda
This is just plain awesome. In the end, all that really matters is how we treat each other.
February 8, 2012 at 12:04 pm | Posted by cef
YGC does an amazing job serving the community and Clark and Jean care so much. Thank you for all you do.
February 8, 2012 at 12:30 pm | Posted by Rick
A great cause! And one I am always happy to contribute to.
February 8, 2012 at 14:18 pm | Posted by JGH
These are wonderful people who do wonderful things. Please support their efforts. Thank you!
February 8, 2012 at 17:13 pm | Posted by jaye newbold
My Grandmother's Cupboard is an amazing labor of love, that benefits people in NJ and PA. Hats off to all who serve their neighbors in this way.
February 8, 2012 at 18:07 pm | Posted by Katie
What an insipiring story!
February 8, 2012 at 18:59 pm | Posted by Alicia
They sound amazing. : )
February 8, 2012 at 20:20 pm | Posted by Kerry S
The story above of Jean and Clark's charity is wonderful. It shows what can develop from just one small step to help others.
February 8, 2012 at 21:12 pm | Posted by Gail
Clark and Jean have made a difference in the lives of thousands! How many of us have the dedication and energy to do for others day in and day out? They are a true example of selflessness. We should all look to them as an example of how to live our lives. They are amazing!!!
February 8, 2012 at 22:29 pm | Posted by ann clayton
Truly inspiring ! If everyone
February 8, 2012 at 23:42 pm | Posted by TaraR
I could not think of a more worthy charity. This donation will make an enormous impact. The donations will allow Your Grandmother's Cupboard to help so many more.
February 9, 2012 at 00:07 am | Posted by Brendan
How many lives have Clark and Jean Paradise improved, if not saved?

There's no telling.

The plan started with blankets and clothes seven years ago. It hasn't ended.

They say with age comes wisdom.

They're right.
February 9, 2012 at 08:18 am | Posted by John Storms
Plain and Simple, this is an amazing organization and I give 100 pecent support for the Cupboard to receive this 5000 dollar grant.
February 9, 2012 at 18:10 pm | Posted by Scott Riotto
Your Grandmother's Cupboard is a wonderful charity doing God's work! I know Clark and Jean - they are beautiful people! My students and I are making a clothing donation today! God Bless your selfless work!
February 9, 2012 at 18:51 pm | Posted by Lori
Your grandmothers cupboard is a Gift from God to all the lives they have touched. I believe by receiving this grant they can reach even more people.
February 9, 2012 at 19:44 pm | Posted by Jane Marion
While others their age may be slowing down and resting on their laurels, Clark and Jean work tirelessly to serve the forgotten and ignored in our society - with a smile and without judgement. Clark and Jean prove that when it comes to be useful and productive, age is meaningless. Clark and Your Grandmother's Cupboard are completely deserving of this award!
February 9, 2012 at 22:16 pm | Posted by Charlene Czajkowski
God Bless Clark and Jean for the great work they do!! Your Grandmother's Cupboard is most deserving of this award.
February 10, 2012 at 08:19 am | Posted by Lisa C
Jean and Clark are so dedicated to helping others. Their hard work and mission is truly inspiring and has created so many chain reactions of kindness. I love volunteering for this organization. They are so deserving of this award and the donation would help so many.
February 10, 2012 at 23:07 pm | Posted by Fran
This mission really could use the help! Thank you Jean and Clark for walking the walk of God's love!
February 11, 2012 at 08:45 am | Posted by Dolores Wenger
This is a worthy cause and it's great to have people dedicated to helping others this way.
February 11, 2012 at 09:01 am | Posted by Laura Caroccia
Clark and his wife Jean have shown us, by example, what it means to do good right where you are. They have made a tremendous impact on countless numbers of people by doing bits of good everywhere they go. It's those bits of good, repeated over and over by Clark and everyone at YGC, that continue to help make life a little easier, a little safer and a little bit better for our neighbors that have so little of their own.
Clark P, YGC and, more importantly, the people and families they serve are so deserving of this recognition and reward.
February 11, 2012 at 11:59 am | Posted by Cristina Gomez
i think its wonderful what clark and jean are doing
February 11, 2012 at 12:00 pm | Posted by Isabel Gomez
i think its a great idea and wonderful that Jean and Clark continued to help people and still do!
February 11, 2012 at 12:02 pm | Posted by Hannah Roller
I think that what Jean and Clark did was an excellent idea!
February 11, 2012 at 12:04 pm | Posted by Lindsay Roller
i think that what Jean and Clark are doing is great! it is such a good idea!
February 11, 2012 at 12:06 pm | Posted by Nicole Iorio
I think this is a great way to help the unforunate and it was really amazing to see how people are so generous and kind to those in need
February 11, 2012 at 12:21 pm | Posted by Matt Donnelly
It is such a nice and good thing that Jean and Clark are taking the time to help those who are in need of it. It's a very generous thing to do!
February 11, 2012 at 12:26 pm | Posted by caitlin cawood
i think it is such a nice thing that jean and Clark are taking their time to do this people who are in need it is very helpful for these people
February 11, 2012 at 13:29 pm | Posted by Spencer Garland
God bless everyone involved for helping the clothing drive succeed for the people in need!
February 11, 2012 at 13:30 pm | Posted by Jon B
God Bless Jean and Clark for helping make this possible and for helping the people in need.
February 11, 2012 at 13:35 pm | Posted by Kate Hartmann
This really helped others in need. It was really nice that they started something that had such a great impact.
February 11, 2012 at 13:37 pm | Posted by Michelle Prizzi
This charity is really amazing. we get tons of cloths and a lot of young people are willing to help
February 11, 2012 at 13:38 pm | Posted by Carlygrace Sunday
Now a days people need to come together. We need to put all our love and heart into something meaningful. this charity is the only thing we needed.
February 11, 2012 at 13:42 pm | Posted by Caroline C
Grandmother's cupboard is a wonderful organization that touches many beautiful lives and opens people's souls and hearts.
February 11, 2012 at 13:45 pm | Posted by Annie C
Your Grandmother's Cupboard is a blessing to all of the people who need help in our area. Its great deeds should be recognized with great gratitude. Thank you for all you do!
February 11, 2012 at 13:48 pm | Posted by Brandon Warrick
It was so much fun to fold clothes with my friends and peers. We shared laughs but also were happy to know that we were working towards a good cause. Yay Church!
February 11, 2012 at 13:51 pm | Posted by Shawn Polson
The charity was such a great event and i had so much fun folding with friends. Your charity is a beneficient and glorious cause.
February 11, 2012 at 13:53 pm | Posted by Leah Charles
I had a lot fun doing charity work for the church. This is such a great program that helps people. This is an awesome cause and I think Jesus would smile upon this.
February 11, 2012 at 13:55 pm | Posted by Alex Boniakowski
Wow! this was sooo much fun! It was really a great experience for me and I'm proud to be a part of it. I'm so happy I could help those need. Go Jesus!
February 11, 2012 at 13:56 pm | Posted by Andrew Politi
Oh yeah, this was super. I love the way I had fun but was also helping a truly valuable cause. It was a great way to spend my Saturday, I'm proud to be a part of this.
February 11, 2012 at 14:00 pm | Posted by Justin DeMartino
Holy quacamoli! This was fan-jesus-tastic. I'm so very uplifted and feel like I could climb a mountain with all the faith that has been enstored in me today. thanks for having such a great charity for me to give my free time to. This is more important that what most kids would be doing on a weekend, like playing on a computer or something. I want to spend my childhood working with the Church and the good Lord and not engage in any harmful or sinful acts like smoking. This was so much fun today and last night I prayed that many would come so that all the needy people would get nice folded clothes. Jesus is truly in this room today, I feel his presence. In fact, I think he's over by the water cooler haha. Thanks again, Charity folks! I can't wait to participate in many more of these activities. Hooray for biblical awesomeness!
February 11, 2012 at 14:01 pm | Posted by Niki Stanton
i had so much fun doing this. It was great and a fun experience. I would totally do it again.
February 11, 2012 at 14:03 pm | Posted by Carl Ruppel
For the love of god! this was glorious! Thanks and praise to those who made such a great charity possible. Had a lot fun and filled my heart with warm and fuzzies. Yay!
February 11, 2012 at 14:04 pm | Posted by Michael VanHouten
This was a great expierence and I plan to continue helping the church.
February 11, 2012 at 14:06 pm | Posted by T.J. Vernieri
The Fold-A-Thon was very fun and it serves a good purpose. I hope that the church keeps this opportunity for adolescents to receive community service hours.
February 11, 2012 at 14:09 pm | Posted by Thomas Lisankie
The Fold-A-Thon is a great way to help out the less fortunate than us by giving them clothes that they can wear throughout the year.
February 11, 2012 at 14:54 pm | Posted by Spencer Garland
God bless everyone helping with this program to provide the supplies to those who need them. Thank you Jean and Clark!
February 11, 2012 at 15:35 pm | Posted by Michelle P
This is a really great charity to work with. Its very rewarding to go help with something that you know is affecting people directly.
February 11, 2012 at 16:12 pm | Posted by Thomas Lisankie
The Foldathon is a great way to help the less fortunate!
February 12, 2012 at 18:47 pm | Posted by Martha
Clark and Jean have big hearts that open wide to help the homeless. I love to help out this deserving charity. God Bless Clark and Jean!
February 13, 2012 at 11:23 am | Posted by Joy
Praise the Lord for the lives of Jean and Clark who continue to share blessings to help others in need!
February 14, 2012 at 16:51 pm | Posted by shelley
There but for the grace of God, go I
They are angels~
February 14, 2012 at 16:58 pm | Posted by Claire
This is an amazing thing that is being done. We should have more people like this in this world.
February 15, 2012 at 13:55 pm | Posted by Paraic
Your Grandmother's Cupboard is a beautiful thing. It captures the simple thought of helping people and leaves it at just a simple action, assisting those in need all across New Jersey and other charities around the tri state area. Clark and Jean have planted a fruitful seed and I hope to see it in full bloom.
February 21, 2012 at 10:12 am | Posted by Jennifer
Your Grandmothers Cupboard is a wonderful place. I know first hand of the help that it gives to people. The $5000 would be a great thing to get. YGC helps hundreds of people a month with everyday essentials that people need. Thank you Clark and Jean for starting this!
February 21, 2012 at 20:38 pm | Posted by Sheila Garretson Rice
The world is a better place because of people like this! Such generousity and kindness inspire us all!
February 27, 2012 at 17:16 pm | Posted by Cliff and Nancy Konnerth
Jean and Clark definitely are inspiring. We are now involved with a new chapter of YGC starting here in Passaic County.
God bless them and their good works!
February 29, 2012 at 22:16 pm | Posted by Judy J
God Bless Jean and Clark. You are truly inspiring and deserving.
February 29, 2012 at 22:50 pm | Posted by Nancy Firth
There is no charity more deserving than Your Grandmother's Cupboard. They are such an inspiration!
February 29, 2012 at 23:04 pm | Posted by Noemi Aylesworth
Blessings to Jean and Clark for all the dedication and love they have put into helping others through Grandmothers Cupboard. They have touched many lives and will continue with the many generous gifts they receive. Praying they will be chosen to receive this money!
February 29, 2012 at 23:22 pm | Posted by Linda Nelson
May the Great Spirit continue to nurture their hearts and soul. What kind and gentle people.
February 29, 2012 at 23:28 pm | Posted by jessica
Noemi Sent me!
March 1, 2012 at 05:27 am | Posted by Thom Torode
YGC does some amazing work helping people in need. Jean & Clark should be commended for the work they are helping with.
March 1, 2012 at 07:32 am | Posted by Julie
What an amazing couple! Jean and Clark are making God smile.
March 1, 2012 at 08:15 am | Posted by Holly Z
What an inspiration~ the world needs more people like this~
March 1, 2012 at 09:26 am | Posted by Chris Volz
This is such a worthy cause and so easy to donate things we may feel are useless, but are so vital for everyday living to others! Great job!
March 1, 2012 at 11:30 am | Posted by Nita Schneider
How beautiful when kindness and compassion touches the hearts and helping hands of others. My sister Noemi shared with me the story of their dedication and work with helping those in need. God bless them as they continue God's work here on this earth.
March 8, 2012 at 13:09 pm | Posted by Julia
Clark and Jean are amazing people. Spending their retirement helping the poor.
March 8, 2012 at 13:35 pm | Posted by Cristina Baggins
It's so rare to find people who truly care about the welfare of others. This is without a doubt an amazing cause that is well worth supporting. Thank you for being so generous.
March 8, 2012 at 13:38 pm | Posted by Jen F.
In a selfless act of gratitude for all that they have, Clark and Jean have graciously dedicated themselves to the community and their ministry during their retirement. We are so fortunate to have them as members of our community. They are models for what true kindness and selfless service to others can do in restoring hope to those who are so vulnerable. Thank you!
March 8, 2012 at 13:39 pm | Posted by Patrick
A great charity that does great work.
March 8, 2012 at 16:09 pm | Posted by Crab
These are great people working for a great cause, I couldnt be more Supportive!
March 8, 2012 at 16:11 pm | Posted by Jay Holio
This is blessed, and is amazing. Providing to those who need it most is one of the most awesome things anyone can do, I fully support the work being done here.
March 8, 2012 at 16:31 pm | Posted by Dr. M. Vex
Their story says it all. These are good people with good hearts. Our world's most valuable resource.
March 8, 2012 at 16:52 pm | Posted by Drake Manly
A true inspiration to us all. These folks have truly redefined what it means to give back to our community.

God Bless
March 8, 2012 at 18:05 pm | Posted by Tyler
Never have I come across such integrity, these people are truly something special :o)
March 8, 2012 at 21:49 pm | Posted by Kevin
What a touching story!
March 9, 2012 at 15:45 pm | Posted by Sue Moore
I have witnessed many of the amazing things that Jean and Clark have done for their community. They are members of my church and they are always trying to involve others in the wonderful work that they do. They are amazing people with huge hearts who go above and beyond to help others! They are truly a blessing!
March 9, 2012 at 19:41 pm | Posted by Lloyd Garrick
Good work team. Very well written and good luck!
March 9, 2012 at 19:51 pm | Posted by jav
Keep up the good work!
March 10, 2012 at 04:09 am | Posted by dick wagner
Awesome work you guys are doing! keep it up!!
March 10, 2012 at 11:35 am | Posted by John
A great cause. I hope they win.
March 20, 2012 at 13:59 pm | Posted by Courtney Newman
This is a very great Charity. Please help Jean and Clark to receive $5,000 as it will go to a great cause.
April 19, 2012 at 21:34 pm | Posted by Tacosburrito
Great job guys! You're making the world a better place for us youngins!
February 14, 2012 at 16:49 pm | Posted by TRISHA KOCH
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND KINDNESS FOR THE NEEDY...
May 1, 2012 at 10:57 am | Posted by Kari McGowan
Congratulations! Clark and Jean have dedicated their lives to helping those less fortunate...The work they do and the lives they touch is simply amazing and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of such an honor! Excellent job!! :)
May 1, 2012 at 12:09 pm | Posted by Twyla Harp
Thank you both for all you do, this is great and a well deserving award. God bless you in all that you do and God bless all those you help, I'm sure God has taken you where he wants you to go. Keep up the good work.

Twyla
South Carolina
May 6, 2012 at 14:35 pm | Posted by Gary Tucker
Congratulations!?...well deserved.....thank you for all you do.

Gary
West Virginia Selectee

View Stories

Contest Schedule

State Winners
Announced by:

June 9, 2013

National Winner Announced by:

June 30, 2013

Prize Description

The National Winner will receive a $5,000 donation to a non-profit charity of choice, courtesy of Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care® network.

State Winners will receive a $500 donation to a non-profit charity of choice.

All winners will receive a certificate and a spot in the Wall of Fame here on SaluteToSeniorService.com in recognition of their outstanding service.