In honor of Older Americans Month, 12 Lehigh County residents were honored as part of the Lehigh County Aging and Adult Service’s 20th annual tribute to Unsung Heroes.

John F. Mizgerd Jr., of South Whitehall Township, is one of the honorees who was selected as a recipient of the 2020 Unsung Heroes tribute.

The honor recognizes older adults in the Lehigh Valley who have displayed exceptional generosity with their time and talents to enrich the lives of others in the community.

The 2020 celebration looked a little different, instead of the annual recognition ceremony, honorees received plaques, certificates of recognition, balloons, flowers and yard sign delivered to their homes.

According to his tribute, the administration and staff of The Everlasting Life Ministry, Allentown, are honored to nominate Mizgerd as an Unsung Hero.

“Before retiring, John was a million-miler truck driver, and over the years, he has put that skill to good use serving his community.

“John has been a vital volunteer with the Everlasting Life Ministry for over 20 years.

“As a driver he picks up food and produce used in the Ministry’s daily food program, which reaches out to the homeless and poor in Center City Allentown.

“Driving for the program he dedicates more than 20 hours each week serving the poor, regardless of weather.”

But volunteering for just one organization is not enough for Mizgerd, the administration and staff of The Everlasting Life Ministry said.

“Again, he has put his driving skill to good use with the Western Salisbury Fire Department, where he served as a driver for them for many years, until health problems intervened.

“But those health problems would not deter him from serving his community.

He is still part of the firefighting team, working the hose, and providing maintenance support for the buildings and grounds as needed.

“He also serves on the board of directors of the fire department, as he has for several years.

Mizgerd, originally from North Catasauqua, and his wife, Sandra, have been married 55 years.

They have two children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Together they have participated in a visitation prison ministry as volunteers for many years.

“Honesty and reliability are his trademarks, which makes him admired by all who know him. For as long as he is able, John Mizgerd will continue to support his church and fire department - that’s just who he is.”