This Hometown Hero Continues To Serve Others After Retirement

Tonya T. of Rockford sent us a nomination for Hometown Hero and we could not scroll past it.

There is an incredibly selfless retired doctor in Freeport who continues to make sure residents are getting the nutrition they need. This man was CEO of Freeport Health Network, the retired Dr. Michael Perry. Based on the notes from Tonya, his dedication to serving others and his genuine care for their well being is beyond evident.

After retiring as CEO of FHN in Freeport, Dr. Mike Perry joined a community network called Connect the DOTS. This network's mission is to put people in touch with resources that currently exist or fill gaps. Dr. Perry found a lack in healthy, fresh produce at local food pantries. So he partnered with N. IL Food Bank to bring a mobile food pantry with fresh produce to Freeport twice a month. Each visit requires 20 - 25 volunteers. Dr. Perry recruits his retired friends and asks FHN to recruit the rest. He sets up traffic cones and directs cars through the drive-up pantry. Dr. Perry personally speaks to every recipient who waits for their allotment of fresh produce. He listens to their ideas and suggestions to improve the process and our community. He plans his vacations and any other obligations around the Mobile Rx Pantry to make sure he is there for families he has committed to serve.

Thank you, Dr. Perry, for your continued service and love for others. You are a true example of the kind of person the world needs more of.

As a Q98.5 Hometown Hero, Dr. Perry will receive a $100 Amazon gift card thanks to Gustafson's Furniture & Mattress. Although we're certain he won't spend it on himself, whatever he uses it for will bring joy to someone, and that's what life is all about.

You can nominate your Hometown Hero HERE.

JB Love is ½ of  Q98.5's Lil Zim & JB In The Morning, weekday mornings from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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