WASHINGTON - Those who know Mary Jo Copeland best will tell you she has spent decades helping poor and downtrodden families across the Twin Cities because it is her calling, not for recognition and accolades.
But on Friday Copeland was a guest of President Obama, one of just 17 people this year to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal. Copeland was selected out of 6,000 people nominated for their work in making their communities a better place.
Copeland, the founder of Sharing and Caring Hands, wept as the host of the event read her biography and noted her accomplishments. President Obama could be seen whispering to her and trying to steady her emotions before handing her the Presidential Citizens Medal.
Sharing and Caring hands has for decades provided food, clothing, shelter and many of life's other necessities to the Twin Cities' homeless and economically struggling population.
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