Growing up as the youngest of five children in the Glenside community of Reading, John holds fond memories of his childhood. “Growing up in the Glenside area, most of us were relatives. We had the two rivers, woods, and railroad tracks, which meant a lot of places to play. There were big family connections, and we all got along living in our own little space of the city. We really didn’t have to go anywhere else.”
John attended Glenside Elementary, Northwest Jr. High, and Reading High while maintaining friendships throughout his years in school. Upon graduation, John went into the workforce, employed by Hoffman Industries, leaving when the company closed. He then acquired a CDL license and was hired by the Reading Area Water Authority, where he has been employed for the past 15 years.
John explains that the job opened his eyes to a lot of the poverty and homelessness in Reading, which sparked a personal ministry to help those less fortunate. “I started a few years ago, but I’m not affiliated with any organization. I collect clothing from infant to adult, and it primarily goes to people in Reading. My job involves going into a lot of houses, and I get to meet a lot of people, and see a lot of homeless people who are in need.”
John considers his work in alignment with his Christian belief that we are to help others, and he feels it is a blessing to be able to do it. “I get a good response from people, and every year it grows to help more people; it is like a personal mission. I collect all year until the end of fall, and I then distribute the clothing to Mercy Community and Pregnancy Center, Glenside School, Opportunity House, and Northwest Jr. High School.
“If I encounter homeless people, I stop on the street and give them a coat or clothing. There are so many people in Reading who have become homeless. It is my observation, and as a born-again Christian we are called to do this. He uses us to help others.”
John has been instrumental in keeping old friends and neighbors connected through his efforts to organize a weekly dinner group and a Glenside reunion, which gathers people from the community each year. “I started the dinner group about three years ago. It is open to anybody and everybody, and has grown, but is mostly the same people each week, but as I said, everyone is invited. A lot of people are lonely, and it is great to get together once a week for the social aspect. I post the dinner on Facebook each week to get a feel for who is coming; we have our regular spots, and I ask for a reservation to see if they can accommodate us. It is nice once you become friends; you can benefit by knowing different people and learning of their accomplishments…a carpenter, a mechanic, an accountant. There are people out there who may be lonely and want to join us; you are welcome.”
Another yearly event born of John’s willingness to gather friends and neighbors together is the Annual Glenside Reunion, which occurs during the holiday season and brings people together from the Glenside neighborhood for food, music, fun and lots of reminiscing!
When he is not working or doing what he can to make life better for others, John has two hobbies which her pursues passionately – cars and local history. “My father was a mechanic, and I grew up with the car community. I have a 1968 Chevy Suburban, and a 1951 panel truck. I also have a little homemade car built in 1940 called the puddle jumper. I love going to car shows and walking around; I just love the atmosphere, including the oldies.”
Local history is also one of John’s favorite hobbies and has been enhanced by his job with the Reading Area Water Authority. “I love, love, Reading and the Glenside historic buildings. I love the history! The house I live in is 90 years old. My grandmother lived here, and my mother lived here. With my job I get to go into houses, churches, and places where people cannot ordinarily go or even get into. I get to see a lot of interesting historical places and things.”
