She volunteers for both the food bank and the new moms welcome program at Mission Hills Church. JoAnn also gives her time to the 9Health Fair and Meals on Wheels. Lastly, every Monday, JoAnn volunteers at Mark Twain Elementary School. The kindergartners in Mrs. Byars class love “Mrs. Hunt”, who arrives with great books to read and fun learning activities.
“She’s the most caring person, and she puts herself last. Always. Always,” says fellow food bank volunteer, Mary Ann Brand.

JoAnn, Mary Ann, and several other ladies run the Home and Health Ministries food bank at Mission Hills Church. It serves nearly 100 families every week. “You see a lot of heartache, and if we can help brighten someone’s day a little bit, then it makes it worth it,” JoAnn said.

The volunteers give out food, but that’s not all. “We need to take the time to hear their stories and get to know them,” JoAnn says.

JoAnn feels very strongly about investing time in each client who visits the food bank. That can mean small talk about the food. “You wanted grits, and we’ve got them! It’s your lucky day!” JoAnn says enthusiastically as she loads a client's bag with grits. It can also mean more meaningful talk about the loss of a loved one or a divorce. “We give out hugs very freely here, and a lot of people need those hugs,” JoAnn smiles.

“There are so many needs in this world, and we just need to take the time to care about other people,” JoAnn says. Luckily, JoAnn is there to care about so many people in our community.