Volunteers – Patrice & Jim Lia
Organization – Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry
Ending Hunger, Empowering Lives
1871 High Grove Lane, Naperville
Sometimes compassion stems from personal experience with hardship. The Lias, recent recipients of Loaves & Fishes’ highest volunteer honor, the Fireball Award, understand.
“When first married, Jim and I were on food stamps,” explained Patrice. “It is demeaning to go to the grocery store with food stamps, but we know there was a reason for going through rough patches.”
Whether leading clients, volunteers and staff in the Human Race; helping to coordinate Day Without Hunger; or creating a new children’s birthday initiative, the Lias are a motivational force who in turn are motivated by the clients.
“At the Human Race, we were standing at the starting point, and I was standing alongside a client,” said Patrice. “I got choked up listening to the National Anthem, and she took my hand and held it. This was a very special day.”
The Lias were instrumental in registering and finding sponsors for clients to participate, and Patrice trained volunteers and clients.
“Jim and Patrice embody our core values of community, compassion, dignity, hope and service,” said Charles McLimans, Executive Director/CEO. “Everyone loves them, especially our clients.”
The Lias are compassionate leaders who make it their goal to provide for their neighbors. “If we are out in the community, clients will walk up and give us a hug. They aren’t embarrassed. That is the welcoming attitude that Loaves & Fishes conveys,” said Jim.
Volunteer of the month is sponsored by Naperville Bank & Trust, serving Naperville with three locations, 555 Fort Hill Dr., 1205 S. Naper Blvd. and 5 S. Washington in the historic downtown post office. For more info, visit www.banknaperville.com.
