Jacqui Merriman is being honored this week for her eight years
of service in our community as food distribution coordinator for
St. Joseph’s Family Center (SJFC).
Jacqui Merriman is being honored this week for her eight years of service in our community as food distribution coordinator for St. Joseph’s Family Center (SJFC).
Unexpected health concerns have forced her to retire early. What follows are just some of the thoughts those who knew her recently expressed:
“What impressed me about Jacqui is the way she could manage the logistics of organizing all the volunteers, keep track of everything in the off-site warehouses as well as the on-site supplies, schedule all pick-ups and deliveries from local grocers, coordinate food pick-ups with Second Harvest, and maintain contacts with all types of merchants, business people, and public servants all over town.
“She has the biggest heart. She has an absolute passion with a capital “P” for helping others. What a super gal!” – Doug Wilber, retired manager, Hewlett Packard
“Jacqui sees each person as God’s creation: every person is of value, worthy of care and concern, and able to contribute to the world in some way. That wonderful acceptance of humanity makes her a beacon of God’s love on earth.” – Sherri Stuart, freelance grant writer
“Hiring Jacqui proved to be one of the smartest moves I ever made. If someone came to her door after hours and was hungry, Jacqui never turned anyone away. Jacqui was often at work at 5:30am getting her food room ready to open and serve those in need.” – Marge Albaugh, past SJFC executive director
“As a colleague and friend, Jacqui embodies the spirit of service to others. At any moment’s notice, Jacqui would always go the extra mile to pick up a donation, even if it was after hours or on the weekend.
“Her hard work and dedication were always a model for all of us to follow.” – David Cox, executive director, SJFC
“Jacqui’s love for her clientele enabled her to give help where needed. Her support, positive reinforcement and encouragement helped guide families away from negative or self-destructive lifestyles.” – Jim Simoni, Esq., SJFC Board Vice President
“She has led a life of significance and I pray that the rest of her life will be as rewarding to her as she has been to us.” – Charlie Clark, owner of Leedo Gallery and Frame, SJFC board president
“I found her very pleasant, easy to work with, and very humble. She always had a smile on her face.” – Joy Hall, former Gilroy Chamber of Commerce office manager
“I have always viewed Jacqui as a buoyant light rising above the waves regardless of the weather or the tide. Her sweetness, empathy, and commitment will be sorely missed by those of us peering out of our warm homes and those of us subject to the mercy of the sea, trying to make our way into safe harbor.” – Rick Cauley, vice president, South Valley National Bank
“Jacqui is one of those rare people you meet that once you talk to her you know you’ve just met someone special.
Her generous heart and spirit show through everyday; whether it is giving away her last dollar to someone whom she feels needs it more than she does or watching one of the dozens of people walk through these doors looking for nothing more than their special hug from Jacqui.
Her warmth and kindness draw you in and make you feel welcomed. Jacqui has expressed that being at St. Joseph’s has never felt like work to her. She knew this is where she was supposed to be. She is proof that one person can have an impact on a community and really make a difference.” – Vicky Martin, new food distribution coordinator for SJFC
