TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - Every week we are rewarding those in the community who go above and beyond. This week we are shedding light on one local woman dedicates her time providing the basic needs to several families in the Tucson community.
President of Haven Totes Inc. in Tucson, Karen Stewart, kick started her organization back in 2014. Her mission is to serve our neighbors; one family, one child, and one senior at a time.
Her along with other volunteers work around the clock to serve meals. For Karen, this work is important for many reasons, one of which, is the relationships she’s built along the way. “You get to understand these families. The stories that we can tell you, about these families, incredible people,” said Stewart.
Another goal is trying to make sure that no one has to live with an empty stomach. “Insufficient hunger is just *pauses choke up* you know it’s hard to even explain it, it’s hard to see people coming knowing what they need.”
She tell KOLD that her mission is to continue helping families in Tucson especially during the pandemic as the need for Haven Tots grows. “So that more people can be blessed,” she said.
Come the new year, Karen and the rest of the Totes family hope to open up another three food pantries.
And of course, any donation will make a big difference. With Karen’s drive to help others others in the community returned the favor.
And that’s KOLD rewarded her with a $300 gift card. Even when it comes to this gift her heart and Sol tells her to pay it forward to others.
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“Oh my god. This will obviously go back into the program,” Stewart said.
Thanks to our sponsor Casino Del Sol for making this possible. If you have someone you think embodies the “Heart and Sol of Tucson,” please nominate them on our website.
Copyright 2020 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.
© Provided by Tucson (Sierra Vista) KOLD Heart and Sol: Tucson MandalorianTUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - “I’m just doing something small and fun and the little things, you know to make people smile,” said Jula the Mandalorian.
We introduced you to Jula a few months ago. Since then, Tucson’s love for its hero has done nothing but grow.
“If the least I can do is just put smiles on people’s faces, I guess that’s where it starts,” said Jula.
Much like the Mandalorian, Jula recruits people to be a part of his tribe. Each recruit gets a patch and gift card to buy ice cream. Those two things have put smiles on the faces of hundreds of people across southern Arizona, including Andres Rodriguez’s daughter, Ali.
“He was part of my daughters birthday party,” said Rodriguez. “She loved it. She had a great experience with him. She sees him as a true friend and somebody who does good for the community.”
If you haven’t seen the series, it tells the story of a bounty hunter whose dark past turns to light when he meets Grogu, AKA baby Yoda.
“The Mandalorian is basically a sci-fi version of my past,” said Jula. “The child has made him more empathetic. I see it the same way. I come back to America to take care of the city, and it’s made me more empathetic.”
Jula spent years living in Iraq, serving in the military and working for U.S. intelligence agencies. He says moving back to America and starting this mission- to serve his community- was not easy.
“I got off my motorcycle and started walking toward them. The feeling inside me, like ‘What am I doing? Why am I dressed up like this walking up to these kids asking if I can play soft ball with them? Are you serious right now?’,” said Jula.
But the empathy he’s gained from that moment and each one since, can be felt when you spend time with him.
Since March, he’s spent over $10,000 out-of-pocket to put smiles on the faces of complete strangers.
“I would rather give up money for the community than to take it,” said Jula.“I never thought It would get this far.”
Jula says he has started receiving gift card donations from people across the country.
“I never thought somebody out of state would follow me, and send me money to donate to children,” said Jula. “It’s absolutely amazing.”
He was nominated and chosen as Arizona’s Heart and Sol – and given a 300 dollar gift card thanks to Casino Del Sol.
“I don’t even know what to say.” said Jula. “This is unbelievable thank you to everyone who voted.”
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Jula the Mandalorian of Tucson is very much a part of the Heart and Sol of this community, that he’s done so much to build up.
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The proof- well that’s in all the smiles captured along the way. Without a doubt, this is the way.
Copyright 2020 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.
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