September 19, 2025
Minneola Volunteer with 5,600 Hours Honored by Second Harvest Food Bank
By Cindy Peterson
Minneola Volunteer with 5,600 Hours Honored by Second Harvest Food Bank
A Minneola man has been recognized for his extraordinary dedication to fighting hunger across Central Florida.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently presented the David Pearlman Spirit of Volunteerism Award to Al Delio of Minneola, honoring nearly a decade of commitment to the nonprofit’s mission.
Al has been a fixture at Second Harvest since 2016, logging more than 5,600 volunteer hours. As one of the organization’s volunteer captains, he often serves as an extension of the operations staff, stepping in wherever the need is greatest.
“He specifically holds off on signing up for shifts until he sees where the greatest need is to insert himself there,” Second Harvest said in a statement. Over the years, Al has led volunteer projects, worked special events, and taken part in offsite programs.
The recognition came during Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign each September to inspire communities to get involved with hunger relief. Between July 2024 and June 2025 alone, more than 42,000 individuals donated 127,486 hours of service to support Second Harvest’s seven-county service area.
“These awards recognize more than hours served – they reflect the heart, compassion, and commitment each volunteer brings to our mission,” says Derrick Chubbs, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “As we recognize their efforts during Hunger Action Month, we’re reminded that it takes all of us – and every dollar or hour given helps put meals on the table for families across Central Florida.”
Other 2025 Volunteer Award recipients included Cooper Boris of Orlando, who received the Andre Reyna Youth Against Hunger Award; J.J. Lullen of Orlando, honored with the Most Inspirational Virtual Food Drive Award; and Haley Hitzing of Colorado, who earned the Going Above and Beyond Award for her leadership of Taste! Central Florida.
Second Harvest also recognized Jerry Hauck and Justin Molloy for joining its elite “50K Club,” honoring volunteers who provide more than 50,000 meals through their annual service.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
