(WXYZ) — A Romulus resident, who many would argue has a heart of gold, was awarded the city’s annual Outstanding Citizen Award.
Jeffrey Pyles has been delivering meals to local families in need.
“When I would get off work, I would go to the school and pick up meals for families that couldn’t make it up to the school. . . to make sure they were able to get lunches,” said Jeffrey.
When that supply ran out, he started collecting donations from people in the community who wanted to help; Jeffrey would then go to the store to put food boxes together to give away.
“It makes me feel so good, the kids come rushing to the door,” he said.
Even as his mom battled COVID-19 in the spring, Jeffrey was giving back in any way he could.
“He would always go up to her window every day and sing to her, talk to her, so he could be there,” said his daughter Tarah Pyles. “After she passed away, he returned to that window and held up a sign for the nurses thanking them, showing them that they were his hero for taking care of her even though she didn’t make it through.”
Despite the tragedy, he continued to deliver meals to those in need.
“No one still should go hungry of because of my grieving,” said Jeffrey.
Tara nominated her dad for the Outstanding Citizen Award after all that he has done and continues to do, and the mayor of Romulus recently surprised Jeffrey with the honor.
“I didn’t know what was going on, so I kind of shut the door back,” joked Jeffrey after seeing the mayor and a gathering of friends and family standing outside waiting to reveal the good news.
“He doesn’t do what he does to be seen or to get any kind of glory out of it. He really does it from the bottom of his heart,” said Tara.
