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and a smile through
New York City Relief (NYCR).
New York City’s neediest meet
The Relief Bus every Tuesday morning at 10, pouring in from
within five city blocks for a free meal, a blanket, and help
connecting with resources when they need them the most. For many of
these folks, it’s their only meal of the day. “It’s actually the
best soup in the City,” says Jean Valerio, a nine-year veteran as a
Relief Bus volunteer.
This part of the Bronx is where Jean grew up, before it became a
last resort for the homeless. A successful Diamond in
Amway Global,
she now lives in New Rochelle and drives in to meet The Relief Bus
each week. “People need what we’ve got,” says this 77-year-old
business woman who counts her blessings by giving to others. “I’m
going to go home and be comfortable, but they’re not.” This is her
way of giving back, and she brings friends to help – four other
IBOs.
They stand at a 4-foot by 4-foot window in a converted bus handing
out soup, a roll, and a drink to a steady stream of visitors. The
line lasts until they close up at 2:00 p.m. Most don’t make eye
contact, although after a while regulars get to know you and give a
smile in return. Jean becomes teary while remembering one boy who
had missed her while she was undergoing surgery. When she returned,
he said, “I knew you’d be okay, because I prayed for you.” She has
lots of heart-rending stories to share.
Jean found New York City Relief through her son, Ray Melillo,
another Diamond. He’s been a supporter of The Relief Bus for most of
their 20 years, along with his upline Angelo Nardone. They met the
founder at a
Rangers game and became friends over a conversation about fast
cars.
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Jean Valerio (center) brings a smile to people who have lost hope. |
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