Margie Petrunia
H.O.P.E. Honoree 2022
Can you imagine waking up Christmas morning with no presents under the tree? Well, neither could Margie. Margie began working for the Lakeview Local Schools as a library aide in 1994. During her first few years there she noticed that some children would not be experiencing the Christmas joy that all children should experience. Her own three boys had known the “wonder” of Christmas and she wanted that for all the kids in her district. With the help of other staff members, they were able to help those children. Each year the project grew and soon she was the founder of Cortland’s “Angel Trees.” Local churches, community members and businesses all participate to help approximately 200 children annually at Christmas time. Margie became their Christmas Angel. Recently, her love and caring for the children began to take on a new life and over the last several years she has coordinated a Food Pantry within the school. Through donations from generous people, she has food available for any child who is in need. Her efforts are tireless.
In spite of her own personal health challenges of Type 1 diabetes, open heart surgery, cancer and even COVID-19, she never lets her kids down…..NEVER! Her mantra is “you just keep on going!” Margie lives in Cortland and is the mother of three sons, a daughter-in-law, and a grandmother of three beautiful grandchildren. She lost her husband John last year, who she called her greatest supporter. She was an inspiration to him and he also served his community in so many ways. She looks forward to many more years of helping the children at Christmas and beyond.
