Pam Hester has been involved with Americans Helping Americans® partner Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies (AMOS) in Jefferson City, Tennessee, for more than two decades.

She first volunteered with First Baptist Church (FBC) in Jefferson City when the church hosted AMOS volunteer home repair teams, helping by providing meals during their week of service, recalled AMOS executive director Jean-Ann Washam.

“Most recently, Pam approached AMOS with a concern that children were at risk of food insecurity during the summer months,” said Jean-Ann, who at the time was working with Americans Helping Americans® executive director Cameron Krizek to develop a new summer feeding program for children and youth in Jefferson City.

At the very time Pam, a retired teacher at Jefferson City Elementary School, felt a deep concern for these children, Jean-Ann and her staff were finalizing plans for the new Lunch Box program, supported by Americans Helping Americans®.

“We were literally walking through the warehouse making plans when we saw Pam,” Jean-Ann told us. “She was looking for us to see if AMOS had considered taking food out to children during the summer. 

“Honestly, it was one of those God moments.”

Pam quickly recruited volunteers from FBC with the goal of serving 100 children each week in June and July. 

“Pam knows many of the children from school and serves with passion,” said Jean-Ann. “She has dedicated her entire career to serving others.”

She helped build a strong foundation for children facing poverty, broken homes, and a lack of role models.

Over the years, Pam has impacted hundreds of children through her teaching, tutoring, and ongoing service. 

“Pam’s influence has reached far beyond the time she taught but allowed these kids to believe in themselves,” said Jean-Ann.

“Her love for these children did not end when she retired.”