This week, we’re shining the spotlight on a dynamic duo who generously give their time and talents to HCCM — Peter and Penny Jelito.
Penny has been a dedicated volunteer at the HCCM Thrift Store for over four years, logging an impressive 1,000+ hours! Her warm spirit and positive attitude make a lasting impact on everyone who visits. Meanwhile, Peter joined our volunteer team in January 2024, working tirelessly in the HCCM garden. Thanks to his hard work preparing garden beds, planting a variety of delicious vegetables, and keeping everything beautifully maintained, our pantry clients often receive fresh produce on the very day it’s harvested.
A Little About the Jelitos
Peter was born in post-WWII Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1959. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy, he spent 26 years as a field engineer with General Electric. Penny grew up in Southern California, where she met Peter while singing in their Lutheran Church choir. Her first job was as a clerk at an insurance company, while Peter’s was as an apprentice in the electrical trade.
The two have been married for 58 years and share a deep commitment to community service. They have a daughter who lives in Hawaii with her family, and a son, Dan, who lives in Lago Vista with his wife, Nikki. Before moving to Leander, TX in 2020, Peter and Penny lived in Tuolumne County, CA, where they built their home and managed a small ranch for 30 years.
In Sonora, CA, they volunteered with several local organizations, including Interfaith Social Services, the A.T.C.A.A. Food Bank, and the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department. They also pursued training with the University of California Extension Service to become certified Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers.
Fun Facts & Favorite Sayings
Penny dreams of one day trying hang gliding and scuba diving! For now, she continues spreading joy and kindness through her work at the thrift store, striving to “brighten the corner where people are” — a beautiful way to give back.
As for Peter, nothing lifts his spirits like hearing the song Canadian Sunset. He also carries with him a bit of wisdom shared by an old sailor:
“When you go through life, steal what you can... but only with your eyes and ears.”
Peter and Penny are among several married couples who volunteer with HCCM — some work together picking up food donations from retail stores, others serve side-by-side in the pantry, and still others, like the Jelitos, share their time and talents in different areas.
We are so grateful for all they do. Thank you, Peter and Penny, for your heart, humor, and incredible service!
