Local Hero: LINK Continues Vital Mission Of Feeding The Hungry

HERNDON, VA — With its Local Heroes initiative, Patch hopes to shed light on the people in our community who are doing good things, especially in these difficult times. But many people have already gone above and beyond, even before the coronavirus pandemic began.

Take the people who volunteer at LINK, the Christian food pantry serving Ashburn, Herndon, and Sterling. They've been helping to distribute food to individuals in need throughout the community for years. When the pandemic struck, LINK didn't miss a beat and stepped up its life-saving mission.

Bob Ashdown, LINK's store and restaurant pickup coordinator, thought that effort was worth telling people about and he nominated Lisa Lombardozzi, LINK's president, to be a Patch Local Hero.

Though honored to be nominated, Lombardozzi was quick to share the praise with others.

"I am not the hero — it is everyone who lives in and around this community," she said, in an email. "I am speechless when I see how this community has responded to an incredible need. They have sent in donations, sent money, and volunteered to deliver, translate and pack for these families. Every day I wonder how we will do what we need to do, and every day and I blown away by how people stop by and bring food or offer to help. It is truly incredible."

Name of the nominee:

Lisa Lombardozzi

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Bob Ashdown

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:
Lisa is president of LINK, a Christian food pantry serving Ashburn, Herndon, and Sterling.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
Lisa has led LINK's efforts to respond to the huge increase in demand for food in our area because of the impact of the virus on jobs. Last April, LINK delivered to 15 to 20 households a week. LINK is now delivering to about 25 households a day, seven days a week.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Lisa is a true leader, inspiring LINK's angel warriors to follow her getting food to our brothers and sisters in need.

Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.

Also see ...

• Local Hero Delivers Health Care With A Smile
• Herndon's Heroes: Help Patch Recognize Those Making A Difference
• RCC Staff Goes Above And Beyond During Coronavirus: Reston Heroes
• Herndon Mother Cares For Coronavirus Patients: Local Hero