Submitted photo Family and friends of the Heinzer family attended a donation presentation Saturday when Michael Heinzer donated $100,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley in honor of his late wife, Kathleen “Cass” Heinzer. Front row, from left, are Second Harvest Associate Director Renee Fuller, LeeAnne Martyak and Robert Martyak. Second row, from left, are Executive Director Mike Iberis, Annie Hall, Michael Heinzer, Tom Heinzer, Maggie Heinzer, Jackson Heinzer, Amy Hogie, Paul Hogie and fiscal officer Janine Decker.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — A local man has made a life-changing donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley in memory of his late wife.

Michael Heinzer presented the food bank with $100,000 on Saturday.

Kathleen “Cass” Heinzer “had a special gift when spending time with children who came to the food pantry,” Heinzer said, referring to the St. Patrick’s Food Pantry in Hubbard.

The Heinzers, from Hubbard, became involved in feeding their community in the early 1970s. On his way home from work one day after finding out he did not receive a raise, Heinzer saw a homeless man and stopped at a store to buy him food.

“When I got home, I ran into the house and told my wife everything that happened to me,” Heinzer said. “I was so excited that I decided when I retired, I would find a way to help others in need.”

The Heinzers began working with Second Harvest around 2001, after Heinzer retired. Cass joined her husband and would often have candy with her to share with children who would visit the Hubbard pantry with their families.

“She seemed to know just how to get into their hearts and make them smile,” Heinzer said.

The donation has been met with gratitude from Second Harvest Executive Director Mike Iberis.

“The Heinzer family has shown us what it means to care for your neighbors and then take that spirit of service even further,” Iberis said. “Their inspiring commitment, reflected in this incredible $100,000 gift, ensures that families across our Valley will have the food they need.”

Associate Director Renee Fuller echoed the sentiments.

“The Heinzer family has set an example that goes beyond dollars and cents. It’s about the impact of caring deeply. Their legacy will live on each time a family is nourished because of their kindness,” she said.

After the couple retired from working at the pantry, the Heinzers shifted their efforts to donate to Second Harvest financially, which Heinzer has continued since the 2024 passing of Cass.

He hopes that their story is one that others draw motivation to help their communities, Heinzer said.

“It is my wish that this may inspire others to get involved and make a difference wherever God leads them,” he said. “No matter where you are or what you are doing when you are dealing with others, do it with love in your heart and you will find it very rewarding.”