“As frustrating as my job can be, there’s great rewards to be offered. And helping people, you know, it’s awesome. So that’s how I spend my day.” Vandalyn Justice
Vandalyn is a Westside resident and since 2009 has served the Charleston community as a social worker at the Salvation Army on Tennessee Ave. “It’s not just a job for her,” said Patty Tilley, Vandalyn’s coworker. “She truly cares for each person she sees each day. She will work even after hours to make sure all their needs are met.”
During Christmas, Vandalyn along with her whole family get involved in Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, and she organizes her Jeep Club Christmas Party which includes a toy drive to benefit the children she serves through her social work.
“I can’t tell you the number of food boxes she’s delivered, Christmas presents she’s made sure children get,” Patty said.
“My favorite story to tell about Vandy is, last Christmas, a family came in after our distribution, and they had just moved here… The situation with was a mother and son. And he said something about, ‘No Christmas, Santa didn’t know where we were, but that’s okay, Mom said we’re in a better place.’ And Vandy said, ‘No, wait a minute. What was your name again?’ And he told her. And so Vandy said, “No, Santa Claus brought your presents to me. I’ve got your presents.”
