09/21/2026
Congratulations on your outstanding service to our community! Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a difference do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do and for continuing to make our community a better place. We celebrate you and your incredible service! 👏🏾❤️🙌🏾
Gwen Jeffries is this year’s Good Neighbor of the Year
WAKE FOREST, NC – The Wake Forest Human Relations Council (HRC) is pleased to announce that Gwen Jeffries (photo attached) is Wake Forest’s 2026 Good Neighbor of the Year. Mayor Ben Clapsaddle announced Jeffries as this year’s winner during Saturday’s Good Neighbor Day celebration at E. Carroll Joyner Park.
In his nomination narrative, Steven Sticklin acknowledged Jeffries as “a beautiful soul” and “incredible neighbor” and highlighted her tireless efforts delivering meals to seniors in the Northeast Community.
“For over six years, twice a week, Gwen Jeffries has delivered meals to 26 households of elders in our community who are unable to get to Hope House or Olive Branch for Wake Forest Community Table's food distribution. A beloved member of the Northeast Community, Gwen cares deeply about nourishing her neighbors in body, mind, and spirit - and her dedication inspires everyone who takes part in our program.
“Without fail, even when her own car is in disrepair, Gwen finds a way to pick up 26 nutritious meals, boxes of fresh produce, and personal care items, then delivers them with love to elders across the Northeast End. Those who have watched her wind back and forth for hours each week know that the food is not the most important part of what she does - connection and building beloved community are at the heart of her work. At each home, she takes the time to sit, talk, and show genuine care to neighbors who are isolated and limited in mobility.
“Gwen's deep, generations-long connection to the people who themselves helped build this town into a great place to live is what ‘drives’ her to show up, week after week - making sure they have a meal, fresh produce, and a friend who checks in on them. Gwen is an incredible neighbor. I have watched her deliver meals after the death of loved ones, within weeks after her grand baby who she helps care for was born, and in terrible weather, she is so faithful and inspiring. She always puts her neighbors first. She models what it means to be a good neighbor to her grandchildren, our other volunteers, and all who attend Wake Forest Community Table. She is a beautiful soul, and she delivers much more than almost 3,000 meals a year to her neighbors, she brings so much love and care to the elders of our Town while inspiring the next generation. I cannot think of a more deserving person for this honor.”
The HRC solicits Good Neighbor of the Year nominations for one adult and one youth each year from April through August, votes on the submitted candidates, then announces the winners during Good Neighbor Day. This year, the HRC did not receive any nominations for the youth award that met the submission requirements. For more information, contact Human Resources Director Angela McCray at [email protected].
