Attitude of gratitude: Local man lives what he believes
You might not see him as a greeter or server for the annual community Thanksgiving Day dinner in Connellsville. Instead, Joey Hollowood will probably be elbows-deep in soap suds, working behind the scenes on dish duty today.
Since 2005, Hollowood has dedicated his time and passion to volunteering with City Church as they partner with other churches to put on the no-cost holiday dinner to those in need.
“I am blessed, and I want to bless others,” said Hollowood, 51, of Dickerson Run. “I’ve always been a giving person. I just want to help others in need.”
Hollowood is one of the dozens of volunteers who spend the days prior to Thanksgiving buying and preparing the food that will be distributed during today’s feast.
As in years past, he plans on arriving at the Connellsville Senior Center in the early morning hours to help with dinner preparations. Last year, a total of 110 volunteers gathered to serve 653 meals.
“He’s got an incredible attitude and is thankful continually, not just on Thanksgiving Day,” said City Church Pastor Brian Higbee, also a good friend of Hollowood’s for almost 40 years.
During Sunday’s church service, Higbee led the “auction” that raffled off which church members would be responsible for particular food items, including stuffing and pies. Hollowood volunteered to make one of the 18 turkeys needed.
“Be thankful for what you have. If you have abundance, give to others who aren’t as fortunate,” said Hollowood.
He has also helped deliver the Thanksgiving meals over the years — warm meals that go to those who are homeless, elderly or shut-in. Last year, more than 250 meals were delivered.
“The gratitude they express — it just makes you feel good to do something good. It’s rewarding to see how much they appreciate it,” said Hollowood. “I feel a calling to do this from Romans 8:28. We are called according to God’s purpose.”
When he isn’t volunteering or watching Pittsburgh Steeler games with Higbee, Hollowood works full time servicing oil rigs.
Though he now says that “life is good in Camp Hollowood,” it was only three years ago that he had a slightly different outlook.
Hollowood left his job at Hanson Aggregates stone quarry in 2011 and lost another job shortly after. He felt as though he were at the bottom of the barrel, according to Hollowood. But after a phone call with Higbee — a phone call that often happens between the two good friends — he felt his spirits lifted. It wasn’t long after that he found a job working in the gas and oil fields.
“My faith makes me who I am — it defines me. My coworkers know where I stand. I may get ridiculed at times, but my faith is strong. That will never fade,” said Hollowood.
“Joey lives what he believes, and that’s kind of rare,” said Higbee. “He puts his faith into practice every day. If you want a pick-me-up, go talk to Joey. He’s going to bring some light.”
City Church launched the annual Thanksgiving Day dinner in 2000. Since then, several other churches in the Connellsville area have partnered with them. Higbee said the numbers and support continue to grow each year.