Joe Lordi has run the Youngstown Community Food Bank for years. Quietly, and often at great personal expense, he helps those living in the Mahoning Valley around Youngstown, Ohio who struggle to put food on their table each day. Whether the temperature soars to unbearable levels or drops to single digits, Joe (and his volunteers) can be found outside, loading and unloading trailers and greeting those who count on the food bank for help.
It was no surprise to us a few days ago when we received a call about an effort in progress to help make life better for Joe and his family. We knew that his selfless nature, devotion to others’ welfare, and his modesty would not allow him to reach out for his own needs but, fortunately, some of his volunteers recognized that the time had come to lend a hand to the Lordi family. And, lend a hand is just what they did. Local businesses, craftsmen and volunteers are about to finish their own "extreme makeover" of the Lordi house and when we asked how we could be part of their effort, we learned that some new furniture would be a welcome addition to the freshly painted rooms, replacement windows, new roof and flooring.
How good it feels to give back to someone who gives so much. The Good People Fund hopes that Joe and his family spend many good years in their "new" home and that the volunteers who were part of the mitzvah realize just how important this was.
