ORLANDO, Fla. — For about 10 years Josie Pedragoza has made it part of her routine to spend time volunteering helping the homeless with Salvation Army.

Josie spends most of her time with a dedicated group helping people who, for the most part, live outside, finding resources that they might need just to survive.

What You Need To Know

  • Everyday Hero Josie Pedragoza has been spending time volunteering with the Salvation Army for the last 10 years

  • Every Tuesday, a dedicated group of that Josie is a member of head out into communities across Orlando visiting homeless camps to provide necessary resources to people in need

  • Tom Morris, who is also a volunteer and on the advisory board for Salvation Army Orlando, says being able to help people is “rewarding” and he enjoys being able to help provide a warm meal and clothes for anyone who needs them most

“I just love the mission here at salvation army and i just love meeting people and look at the ladies over here. I just love volunteering with them. They just make it so much fun,” Josie Pedragoza said.

Every Tuesday Josie and this special group pack sandwiches, toiletry bags, hot meals and coffee. They then load it all up and head out into the community, stopping at homeless camps helping those in need. Josie says she enjoys spending time giving back to people who don’t have a home to call their own.

“I wanted to be part of the change. I wanted to be the person that could make a difference,” Pedragoza said.

For Josie, she says helping in the smallest way can provide the best comfort in times of need.

“I think coming out here letting them know, you guys matter…it doesn’t matter your position where you are at…and say hey you matter, we are thinking of you and we love you,” Pedragoza said.

Volunteer and Salvation Army advisory board member Tom Morris is on the team with Josie. He understands her commitment to the cause, doing whatever is necessary to help get resources to those living on Central Florida streets.

“First of all, it is more meaningful to the volunteer if that is possible than to the people you serve…it’s just rewarding. I could be anywhere in the world today, but I’m here,” Morris said.

Just like Josie and the others part of this group, dedicated to giving back putting others above self.

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