DeKalb Commissioner Steve Bradshaw lauds community heroes assisting on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic

 Pictured left to right: Pine Lake Mayor Melanie Hammet with Pine Lake Angel Stephanie Morales

DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw is honoring Stephanie Morales as an “Angel in Pine Lake” for her humanitarian support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bradshaw also commended the Wade Walker YMCA for its work during the crisis.

Bradshaw published the following story about Morales in his April 14 e-newsletter:

After being furloughed from her job in the film industry, she received an unexpected check from her union. Rather than using that money for herself, she has decided to use that money to help others. Specifically, she took it upon herself to set up a food truck in the parking lot of the Police Headquarters in Pine Lake, and for the past few weeks, she has been providing free meals to our front line workers who are still serving DeKalb County so diligently. As many as 200 meals a day have been served, and I know that it has been greatly appreciated. Stephanie’s demonstration of selflessness is nothing short of inspiring.

I want to commend Stephanie for her efforts and underscore how proud I am to have her as a resident in my District. I also want to thank my good friend, Pine Lake Mayor Melanie Hammet, for making the introduction. If you want to lend your support to Stephanie’s efforts, please contact my office at 404-371-4749 for more information.”

 Pictured:  Some of the amazing staff members at the Wade Walker Park Family YMCA.

Lorna Loh is executive director of the Wade Walker Park Family YMCA, which is also in District 4. This facility participates in the USDA’s Family Hunger Relief Program. The YMCA, in partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Open Hand, and Publix Charities, have repurposed YMCA facilities to fill this critical need. Since March 16, 2020, they have distributed over 3,000 meals to families in District 4.

These programs are being delivered by YMCA staff members who are all following strict protocols regarding physical distancing, frequent sanitizing, and personal protection. I have witnessed these fine folks in action, and they are all doing an excellent job. The hours of distribution are Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information please Lorna Loh at 678-781-9622.

If you have a story to pitch or picture you would like to share with On Common Ground News readers for our “Life With COVID-19” series, please e-mail editor@ocgnews.com. We welcome first-person stories as well as stories about interesting and impactful things that are going on in your communities during the pandemic.