There’s no shortage of stories over the last few years about the people who gather and give away food to those in need across Central Florida.
But what about the drivers who load and deliver thousands of pounds of nutritional food and supplies every week?
“We’re gonna start getting loaded and fight the traffic on I-4 over to Altamonte Springs,” said Devoy Johnson.
For the past 22 years, Johnson has driven miles more than he can count.
“I’ve lost count a long time ago,” he said.
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He makes deliveries to schools, food banks, and churches for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
“Maybe I’ve done at least 3,000 or 4,000 drops,” said Devoy.
The 2002 Evans High School graduate said he always wanted to be behind the wheel.
“I was passionate about driving. I used to see the truck as a kid, and I said I wanted to drive one of those trucks,” said Devoy.
After graduating high school, he went straight to driving school and got his CDL license.
“I was ready to go see the country and get out on the road, but unfortunately at my age, I was unable to leave the state of Florida,” said Devoy.
Devoy couldn’t drive professionally out of state until he turned 21. That’s when he decided to join Second Harvest.
News 6 asked him about when he figured out that this is what he wanted to do with his career.
“The first year I started here and I saw what the mission was all about. It fuels my passion to give back from my community I came from. I saw the hunger. I saw the need,” said Devoy.
Devoy learned home is where his heart is, and he said he loves that his job gives him a chance to reach out to so many in the community, including his alma mater.
“We actually do a Christmas drop at Evans High School. There are new faces right now, but I do see a lot of people over the years in my community,” said Devoy.
“It’s a really touching moment for him to say, ‘Hey, we know each other. We grew up together, and if I can help you in the moment of your need, that is what I’m here to do,’” said Erika Spence with Second Harvest Food Bank.
Devoy is one of the longest tenured drivers at Second Harvest, and his kindness, hard work, and passion are why people call him him a hero.
“He’s a local hero, a distant her. Anyway you wanna call it, he’s a hero,” said Herbert Bouey with The Apostolic Church of Jesus Inc. Food Bank.
Devoy said he’s just happy to be doing his part and hoping his journey will inspire others.
“There’s a need out there. There’s a family that’s a paycheck away from hunger. As much as you can help, do your part and help,” said Devoy.
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