Food bank worker wins a High 5

TOOELE -- A woman who has spent 15 years volunteering at the Tooele County Food Bank wins a High 5 this week.

Eighty-year-old Dorothy Conner's daughter nominated her for the honor. She pointed out that Dorothy is supposed to work 15 hours a week but works about 40 hours instead.

"I came here and Lori (Sandoval) told me I could work and volunteer for two days a week, and I couldn't stand it," Dorothy said. "I asked her, could I please work more? So I've been here ever since - 40 hours a week for 15 years."

Lori told KSL the food bank has more than 4,500 case files of residents that need help in Tooele County. County commissioner Colleen Johnson said, "We live in an amazing community. We've got lots of volunteers. If there's a need, it gets filled."

Dorothy's friend, Rhonda Gleed, said, "I think there were a few years where she really had to struggle and I think because of that she wanted to help other people who were struggling."

"I think they're excited to have food," Dorothy said. "So many of them come in here with tears and upset because they have to come in. We try to treat the like family and be really good to them all the time."

According to Rhonda, "She's just like a second mother to us all."

Dorothy seemed pleased with the High 5. "This is really a nice surprise," she said. "I'm 80 years old and I'll never forget it."

Our High 5 partner, Les Schwab, is committed to helping us spotlight the unsung heroes in our community. Dorothy received a gift basket from Les Schwab as a thank you for her years of service in Tooele County.

If you know someone who is making a difference in your community, share your story and nominate them for a High 5 here.