Mary Lee DiSpirito continues her mission to help families in need after losing her husband
Annandale: Mary Lee DiSpirito has been a powerhouse in her community, collecting furniture for over 12,000 families in need. She’s really made a difference.
So, here’s the scoop. Mary Lee is a bit mad, but not in the angry way. For her, “mad” stands for “making a difference.” It’s her motto!
In late 2024, she was honored by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin with a Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Award. This recognition came after years of running the Annandale Christian Community for Action’s furniture program.
Thanks to her hard work, more than 24,000 people have benefited from 12,000 furniture deliveries. That’s pretty impressive, right?
Nancy Moy, a fellow volunteer, shared how Mary Lee is the go-to person at ACCA. “She’s an example for everyone,” she said, highlighting Mary Lee’s leadership.
All the furniture collected is stored in a warehouse in Annandale. Volunteers deliver it monthly to families who need it. It’s a well-oiled machine!
Mary Lee often worked alongside her husband, Don, who sadly passed away last summer at 91. Now, she’s keeping their giving spirit alive all on her own.
She hopes her dedication will inspire others to volunteer too. “If you’ve never done volunteer work, at least try it once or twice, you may get hooked,” she encourages.
This story is part of WUSA9’s series “The Heart of It,” showcasing uplifting stories from the DMV area. Got a story idea? Reach out to Sean Martinelli at TheHeartOfIt@wusa9.com.
