Shelia Johns son’s spirit lives on in the lives he saved through organ donation and through Operation Christmas Child boxes.
“When I lost my son back in 2008. He loved children so I wanted to do something that would be in remembrance of him. I started with 100 boxes and each year it was my goal to do 100 additional boxes,” said Johns.
Operation Christmas Child delivers small necessities and gifts around the world to children who would otherwise go without.
This past year the boxes she has sent have surpassed well over one thousand.
“I firmly believe someday your pain will be your greatest strength,” said Johns. “I just wanted to give back to the community. Even though my child is not here with me I could help other children.”
Johns says said the effort has gotten quite expensive and often times during the holiday season her living room filled from corner to corner but that God has blessed her to continue.
“It was a chore so to speak when you walk in the house and there is all these shoeboxes lining the living room.”
In addition the the shoe boxes, she oversees ‘Cleve’s Help The Children Foundation’ and maintains a full-time position as Material Management Director at Clinch Valley Health.
Johns has been with divisions of Clinch Valley Health for 45 years.
“I started as a candy striper. I put in the most hours as a candy stripper. The CEO asked me if i would like a full time position.”
Those positions range from admitting, outpatient, cashier, billing, accounts payable, data processing and so forth.
Johns will tell you serving is a form of love and something she received from her mom and dad.
“We didn’t have whole lot when we were growing up but we had love.”
Through these various acts of service Sheila Johns hopes others know that they matter to her.
“I care and I love each and everyone and children hold a special place in my heart.
I love being around people. That’s why I’m in health care because we impact people’s lives and they impact ours as well.”
