MAHONING VALLEY, Ohio - A long-time contributor to Second Harvest Food bank of the Mahoning Valley is donating $100,000 to the nonprofit help keep the Valley fed.

Michael Heinzer told 21 News he wished to honor his late wife, Kathleen, who passed away last year.

Michael and Kathleen ran a food pantry in Hubbard for 15 years and he said Second Harvest was a big reason they were able to help as many community members as they did.

"We got all of our food and help from Second Harvest, so I wanted to and I have been all along contributing to Second Harvest since I retired from the food pantry," Heinzer said.

When asked how he hopes people remember his wife, Heinzer said, "She cared about everybody that came into the pantry and really made them feel at home. Anybody who got to know her knew how sweet and considerate and loving she was."

The couple made serving the community their life's work and Heinzer said the need is only growing, as food insecurity grows across the nation.

"When my wife and I were running a food pantry, when we took it over they were helping about 8 families a month. When we finished it was about 130 families a month. The need is only growing." Heinzer said.

He commended Second Harvest on their work and their ability to use every dollar they receive in benefit of the community.