Volunteer Spotlight: Joe Verzal

On a Saturday morning this February, Food Distribution Director Jimmy King invited Joe Verzal to share why he volunteers. Joe’s thoughtful response reflected his frequent Saturday-morning presence at the Heart Ministry Center. He explained that when he faces challenges during his professional workweek, he thinks about the obstacles faced by those who line up for food at the Heart. Keeping their struggles in mind helps him see his own hurdles in a new light.

Distributing over 3 million pounds of food in more than 160,000 visits in 2025 takes many dedicated hands. Highlighting just one of our 7,566 volunteers is not easy. Yet on many Saturday mornings, Joe’s upbeat disposition and calming presence help the pantry run smoothly. He greets community members, collects their information, and sets in motion the distribution of food pantries as volunteers, staff, and Fresh Start participants move carts into position and load them into cars.

Jimmy shares, “Because of volunteers like Joe, the Heart Ministry lives up to its nickname, the Miracle on 24th Street. When people keep coming here and showing up when they are in need, our mission keeps on growing.”