Shining in Our August Volunteer Spotlight…
For more than eight years, John Hardy has been an extremely dedicated and versatile volunteer. Known for his reliability, sense of humor, and big heart, John has become an integral part of our community—and we can’t imagine Mondays without him.
John first joined the Ashure family through a connection with a former food pantry manager. Reaching out to see if help was needed, John jumped in and never looked back. Since then, he’s worn many hats, supporting the ministry in nearly every way imaginable.
These days, you’ll find John anchoring our food pantry operations on Monday mornings—one of our busiest times of the week. From bagging produce and building carts to breaking down cardboard and handling countless other tasks, John’s presence is essential to keeping things running smoothly. But his impact doesn’t stop there. He also volunteers at our warehouse, where he unloads trucks, organizes pallets, tackles maintenance, and keeps things moving—often with a grin and just a little mischief behind the wheel of the forklift. (We affectionately call him our “wild man” when he's on it!)
John’s contributions extend beyond physical labor. He has served on our board of directors and several key committees, helping shape the direction of Ashure Ministry with his thoughtful insights and steady leadership.
One of John’s most remarkable qualities is his natural ability to connect with young people. When youth volunteer groups come in, John often steps up as a leader and mentor. His easygoing style, clear communication, and great sense of humor make him a favorite among the kids—and it’s clear the feeling is mutual. His face lights up around them, and he has a special way of making everyone feel welcomed, encouraged, and appreciated.
For John, the heart of Ashure Ministry is the people. He thrives on building relationships, sharing laughs, and supporting others. Whether he’s joking around with fellow volunteers, offering a listening ear, or trading playful jabs during March Madness, John brings joy and camaraderie to everyone around him. A proud grandfather of a UNC football player, he’s also never shy about teasing our resident NC State fans, especially his buddy Will Monroe and our very own Allen Sherrill.
Over the years, John has witnessed the growing need in our community firsthand. When he began, the pantry served around 100 households per day. Today, that number has tripled. Despite the increase, John remains grateful to be part of a ministry that steps up to meet the need—and to serve alongside such a committed and compassionate team.
John Hardy is more than a volunteer. He’s a leader, a mentor, a friend, and a cornerstone of the Ashure Ministry family. His dedication, humor, and heart make this an even better place to serve.
Thank you, John, for all you’ve done—and continue to do—for Ashure Ministry and the community we serve. We’re so blessed to have you!