Mr. George was once asked, “How much do you think you’d be worth today if you hadn’t given away so much?” Without hesitation, he responded, “Probably nothing.”
As much as he is known for his success in the supermarket industry, Mr. George is also known for leading with a servant’s heart. He believed an organization must give back to be successful. He set an example by being involved in the community and helping others. Today, his legacy of volunteerism and service lives on in the Mr. George Community Service Award.
Each year, 6 associates who are actively involved in their communities and represent the generous spirit of Mr. George are recognized with this honor. Our 2024 recipients help children in foster care, build homes, feed our neighbors in need, spend time at senior centers and more.
Atlanta Division
Store Manager Hermith Coleman
#1112, Mableton, Georgia
Hermith was born in an orphanage in Haiti. She was adopted and brought to the United States as an infant. As a result, she feels compelled to give back to her community and those in need. Hermith especially loves volunteering with the youth in her community because she can connect with them. Hermith volunteers with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Habitat for Humanity, El Shaddai Tabernacle Ministry, Mableton Improvement Coalition (MIC) and MUST Ministries. She continues to be a leader in her community, setting a shining example for other associates to get involved and give back.
Are there any experiences from volunteering that you’ll always remember?
One of my favorite memories is from last year, when I was volunteering at CASA. What we do at CASA is mentor children in foster care, and I will never forget this girl I was helping. Years ago, when I 1st met her, she would tell me that she would drop out of high school and always give her parents a hard time. Last year, I watched her graduate college; now, she has a job and supports herself. It was special because she had all of the potential inside of her; she just needed someone to show her it was there. I am glad I could be that person for her, and it felt good to watch her succeed.
How did you react when you heard you were receiving this award?
I was very emotional when I received the call from Mr. George’s son, Howard Jenkins. I have always felt compelled to volunteer because of all the opportunities I have been given. I was born in an orphanage in Haiti, and the only reason I am where I am today is because someone gave me a chance. It feels good to be recognized because it validates that the work I am putting in is making a difference and changing lives. It’s a full-circle moment, and I want to continue to be a responsible citizen in my community.
What will you support next?
This year, I plan on creating a podcast for mental health. My degree is in mental health counseling, and I would love to provide another outlet for people to go to for help and a space that invites open conversations about mental health.
Charlotte Division
Store Manager David Kuehl
#1415, Knoxville, Tennessee
With a Publix career spanning nearly 3 decades, David leads with a servant’s heart. His devotion to his community and team exemplifies leading by example. David credits Publix for introducing him to his love of supporting his community. Years ago, his store manager helped get him involved, and now he hopes to do the same for his associates. David has been open to relocating numerous times, and he continues to serve his community in any market he’s in. David volunteers with several organizations and is excited to get more involved with United Way in Knoxville after recently transferring to the area.
What inspires you to give back?
I love this question because I give a lot of credit to Publix for igniting my passion for serving my community. My volunteering experience started when I got my 1st job as a part-time deli clerk with Publix. My assistant store manager at the time, Marsha Singh, got us involved in the United Way tours. Through these experiences volunteering with United Way, I stayed involved and never looked back. My wife also inspires me. She works for Publix, too, and we both feel privileged to work for a company that values supporting the community.
Are there any experiences from volunteering that you’ll always remember?
It is hard to pick 1 because there are so many, but seeing the people you impact and the influence you have is very moving as a leader. Getting associates passionate about volunteering, as Marsha did for me, will always be 1 of my favorite things.
What does receiving the Mr. George Community Service Award mean to you?
I am humbled. I don’t do these things for recognition, but to be recognized amongst peers is special. My vision of giving back to my community coincides with the vision of Publix, which is remarkable. I got emotional when I found out I was receiving a Mr. George Community Service Award. I heard Howard say the words, “Thank you for living out my father’s legacy,” and that is something I will never forget.
Jacksonville Division
Store Manager Danita Washington
#1140, Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Danita’s passion for giving back to her community started at First Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville Beach at age 6 and continued in college when she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She is still an active member of her sorority, and she focuses on implementing service programs that enhance her community’s well-being, mirroring the values of Mr. George. She also volunteers at Ronald McDonald House, the YMCA and First Missionary Baptist Church. Through youth activities, sports, churches and food banks, Danita always finds a way to support her community.
Tell us how you support some of the organizations you’re involved with?
At the YMCA, I coach basketball. I prepare food care packages for the families at the Ronald McDonald House. I organize Publix Serves events for my district, including beach clean-ups, painting and gardening, and I sort food at Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) and Northeast Florida Food Bank. I also pass out healthy snacks at the Heart Walk of Jacksonville and March of Dimes walks. And I am always looking for new ways to serve my community.
Are there any experiences from volunteering that you’ll always remember?
This past December, we built bikes for kids at the Jacksonville Children’s Christmas party in the Prime Osborn Convention Center. The expression on their faces was so special to see. I wanted to cry for every child. They were so grateful.
What is the most important thing you can give and why?
I would say time. I think time is more valuable than money because money can’t buy you happiness. Sometimes, people just need a hug or a smile.
Lakeland Division
Store Manager Matt Humphreys
#1443, Lehigh Acres, Florida
Matt has volunteered with United Way for about 12 years and has served on the board of directors for 5 years. He often participates in the fund distribution process, which introduces him to many people in need. Last year, Matt helped raise more than $11.2 million for United Way and hopes to continue making strides as chairman of the board of his local chapter. Matt lives Mr. George’s legacy daily and makes sure each associate on his team understands the Publix culture of being involved as a responsible citizen in their community.
How did you react when you heard you were receiving this award?
It’s funny because I missed the 1st phone call. I was off that day, doing a list of chores my wife left me, and I left my phone in the other room. I listened to the voicemail and thought something was wrong, so I called back nervously. When they told me the news, I was speechless. It still feels so surreal. You can’t buy the fulfillment you get when you see the impact you have had on other people and the happiness it brings them. I can’t thank Publix enough for encouraging me to get involved!
What inspires you to give back?
I think of the quote by Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Unfortunately, there are a lot of people struggling, and some people are not as fortunate as others. People are struggling just to put food on their tables. To be able to do something as simple as helping someone feed their family motivates me. Knowing that we are making a difference and helping others with the necessities to live a normal life inspires me.
What will you support next?
I am the board chair of the 2024-25 United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties. Before me, there were doctors and lawyers as chairmen, so it is hard not to feel underqualified. I feel honored to be part of that diverse group of directors, and I want to dedicate myself to advocating for helping those in need. My campaign starts in June, and I plan on pouring a lot of energy and time into making it successful.
Miami Division
Grocery Replenishment Specialist Ody Infante
#222, Miami
Ody is passionate about giving back and has touched countless children’s lives. Moved by the gesture of a kind stranger she met when her infant daughter was in the hospital, Ody now runs a yearly Christmas toy drive for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. She also participates in March of Dimes, Komen Race for the Cure, Habitat for Humanity build events and many more community events.
What inspires you to give back?
It all started back in 1996 when my infant daughter was in the hospital due to seizures. A lady came into the room and asked me if giving my daughter a toy would be okay. I said yes, and she came back in with a pink elephant rattle. I followed the woman outside and saw 6 people delivering toys to every room. It moved me. When my daughter was healthy again, I reached out to the hospital and asked if I could do the same thing and deliver toys to the children who would be spending Christmas in the hospital. The hospital said yes — as long as they had a minimum of 264 toys, which was 1 for every hospital bed. We have been doing this for 27 years now, and that feeling of helping others in a time of need is like no other and never gets old. I will continue to do this for as long as I can. It’s a full-circle moment for me, and it feels good to help families in need like someone did for me and my daughter.
Are there any experiences from volunteering that you’ll always remember?
We gave a little boy a bike one Christmas, and I will always remember his reaction. He had these big tears, and he was so thankful. It was nice to see him have fun for a few minutes. He could focus on the bike and not what he was going through.
What do you believe is the most important thing you can give back, and why?
I think my time is the most valuable thing I can offer someone. People underestimate how much a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or a friendly face can make all the difference.
Support
Senior Supply Chain Replenishment Manager Brad Shiver
Supply Chain Planning and Procurement, Lakeland, Florida
Brad is a passionate leader who gives his time, talents, skills and resources for the betterment of others through his volunteer efforts with many charitable organizations. Brad is an assistant scout patrol leader with Boy Scouts of America. He regularly volunteers with Senior Orphans of Polk County, assisting low-income seniors with food, toiletries and other basic needs. He is also involved with Scott Lake Baptist Church, Keep Polk County Beautiful, One More Child and is the George Jenkins High School Band booster president. Brad holds the ideals of Mr. George close to his heart and always gives his team new ways to get involved in the community.
What does receiving the Mr. George Community Service Award mean to you?
Receiving this award is very humbling. I never personally met Mr. George, but I know he never underestimated the power of a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring because he knew even tiny things have the potential to turn a life around. To be associated with Mr. George is something I will always be proud of.
What will you support next?
I’m proud to work with the George Jenkins High School Band. My wife and I founded the band in 1993, and now that my kids are involved in the band, we love to volunteer at concessions and organize fundraisers to help keep it going. I plan on getting more involved and raising money for kids who need instruments.
What do you believe is the most important thing you can give back and why?
In my opinion, the most important thing you can give is time. Everyone has time, but it is such a gift because you’ll never get it back. With the time off I am receiving for this award, I plan on using this newfound spare time to volunteer and give back to my community.
