DENVER — Ten years ago, Donna Lucero struggled to put food on her table. Today, she’s giving back to the food pantry that once helped her. “It feels amazing to be on the giving end instead of just receiving,” she shared. She volunteers with Community Ministry of Southwest Denver, a place she found through a church.
People often say, “Her heart is made of gold,” and that’s how the Community Ministry staff nominated Lucero as a Denver7 Everyday Hero.
Donna has faced many challenges in her life. Since she was six months old, she has used a wheelchair due to a gunshot wound that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Despite her disability, she always pursued her dreams. “My parents taught me that I’m no different from anyone else. I can do anything,” Lucero recalls. “I even learned how to swim and scuba dive.”
Her determination shines through in everything she does. “As long as I can push my chair, I’ll keep helping,” she says.
Joyce Neufeld, the executive director of Community Ministry, admires Donna’s spirit. “She shows others that you can make a difference regardless of your situation. Her resilience inspires us all,” Neufeld explained. This kind of attitude is vital right now. Community Ministry has grown significantly, from serving about 20-30 families a day to over 113, especially in the last two years.
Hunger remains a serious issue in the community. According to Feeding America, over 671,340 people struggle with hunger, with 172,280 being children.
Lucero’s passion for helping others is contagious. “I love Community Ministries; they feel like family. We’re always in need of volunteers,” she emphasizes. Even if you can’t volunteer, monetary donations are welcome, showing support in other meaningful ways.
Donna’s journey from receiving help to giving it back is a powerful reminder of hope and community. Every act of kindness counts, and it starts with individuals like her who refuse to let challenges define them.
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