'Lunch For Healthcare Heroes' campaign aims to give 2021 meals this year

Patrick Rhodes has a heart of gold. He takes his lunch break to give back to essential workers. 

Giving back is a way of life for Patrick. But he says it's more than doing kind things; it’s a ministry.

Last year, when the pandemic hit, Patrick decided he wanted to do something for essential workers. So, he would buy pizzas and deliver them on his lunch break. He gave away 600 pies. 

"That's one of the sacrifices you have to make when you have a goal in mind and you have, you know, community first," shared Patrick.

This year, Patrick wanted to do more and provide meals for healthcare workers. So, he started a movement. He calls it "Lunch For Healthcare Heroes" campaign.

His goal was to give away 2021 meals this year. 

"I put it on social media and I just, you know, kept believing it will happen," he continued.

It did. A local restaurant reached out and said that they could provide the meals for free. 

"Things happen when you kind of speak it and you kind of believe it and you, you work towards it, you know. So, this year, I've been blessed to have so many supporters," Patrick said.

Patrick delivered to Advent Hospital to help reach his goal. 

"It's quite remarkable the time and effort that he puts upon himself to take care of us while we take care of our patients and their loved ones," shared Tom Rowe of Advent Hospital. "I guess it just helps uplift the spirit a little bit that somebody cares enough to even come and deliver lunches, right?" 

For Patrick, it's just the right thing to do. 

"We think about our own goals and things, which is great. But you also have to set some time aside for community," he added.

Patrick is setting an example of a true community volunteer.