Community Champion: Johnny Johnson
It’s time to recognize a Community Champion. It’s an honor given to people making a positive impact in the community.
It’s in partnership with Leaders Credit Union.
Johnny Johnson is a man who knows all about what it means to work and be of service to others.
“If you’re going to volunteer, you just got to be willing to do the work, whatever work it is that you need to do,” Johnson said.
After serving more than 20 years in the military and then 18 years at the Post Office, Johnson now dedicates his time to volunteering.
“I came upon The Salvation Army and I met Capt. Mark Cancia at the time and he asked me did I have time to do any volunteer work. And I said yes, and I’ve been with him for two years. So I’ve been with him for the last two years,” Johnson said.
Now Johnson spends anywhere from 40 to 50 hours a week volunteering for The Salvation Army.
“I do a lot of the food distribution and food pickup. You know, we do food distribution on Tuesdays and Thursdays. And we do food pickup on Mondays and Tuesdays,” Johnson said.
He says it’s important for him to use his time and skill by being of service.
“Well, as a servant, you want to do something that you think is beneficial to the community and helps the community, and I believe what the Salvation does benefit the community and I just want to be involved in anything that’s going to benefit the people in the community of Jackson,” Johnson said.
Johnson says it’s programs like Angel Tree where he can see the amazing work being done.
“This year we got over 400 families and over 1,320 people that we’re providing gifts for for Christmas. And it’s a long, tiresome job, but it’s very beneficial when you see the parents come up here to get the presents for their kids and thank us for it. It really makes a difference to me,” Johnson said.
And he offers up some advice for those looking to start their journey of volunteering.
“Just try to find your nonprofit, Salvation Army, Air Relief Ministries, RIFA, places like that, that really needs your help, not only in donations but also in your time,” Johnson said.
While he dedicates a lot of time and labor to giving back, Johnson doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
“I think I will be volunteering with The Salvation Army until my health won’t anymore. I really love, I really love it. I love the people. Yeah, I think I’ll be here until my health says I can’t do it anymore,” Johnson said.
If you know someone doing good in their community, you can nominate them for the Community Champion award.
