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Pay It Forward: On a Mission To Give

This time of year many take time to donate money, toys, or their time to help people in the community. One Quad City women says she wanted to help Pay It Forwar...

The holiday season is often called the season of giving, but many spend the entire year working to help those in need.

One woman has dedicated much of her life to improving the lives of others.

Our surprise to Sister Ludmilla Benda, didn't go exactly as planned.

"I'm sorry to interrupt,"  she said as she surprised us in the parking lot before we approached her.

Her friend Caroline Long quickly moves on saying, "No your not... as a matter of fact, I would like to Pay It Forward on behalf of Ascentra Credit Union and WQAD 300 dollars for all you do.  Thank you sister for everything you do."

Everything that Sister actually does for others... would be difficult to list.

Thats why Caroline Long nominated her for the Pay It Forward Award.

"She cooks and she gives out gloves and socks, scarves anything people need and she keeps giving and giving and giving.  Anybody can come to her, she'll give them anything she can do for them," says Caroline.

Sister spends much of her time at Father Conroy's Vineyard Of Hope.

The ministry started 10 years ago in downtown Davenport, serving a hot meal to those in need.

"People are so generous, people keep me going. When I started this I thought it would last maybe a year maybe a few months... a year," says Sister.

Every Sunday, with the help of volunteers Sister serves breakfast and dinner.

"I usually prepare 150 - 200 servings," says Sister.

Providing food it just part of the giving.

Those who come here can shower, wash their clothes and sometimes receive donated items.

"Last Sunday we had a whole lot of clothes, jackets, sweaters," she says.

She and the volunteers will also open the doors Christmas Day, serving breakfast and lunch.

Then hand out bags.

"About 15 items in a bag, 150 bags mostly food.  150 adult bags, 25 children bags, if we run out I'll make some more," says Sister.

At 88 years old, she has impacted so many people.

"She just is so good to everybody , she's always helped everybody.  If she doesn't have enough contributions she'll dip into her own pocket," says Caroline.

And Sister says she has no plans to slow down, saying "I figure as long as I can do it, I haven't had a sick day since I got hit by the car 2 years ago.  God has been so good to me, couldn't do it without all the people."

People like Caroline Long says she Sister deserves recognition for all she does and her lasting impact on others.

"She's an angle, she's a saint.  She's got Christmas spirit in hear year round."

 

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