Patricia Johsz sets example as volunteer

In some circles, Patricia Johsz is known as the pied piper of kids in Orange County because she has led so many of them to become more involved in their communities and to feel better about themselves.

She eagerly donates more than 40 hours a month to a range of charitable organizations and causes, often having her daughter Zoey and son Zachary join her. “It’s a cliché, but our children are the future. If we can inspire them to become better citizens by setting a good example, and by listening and talking to them, the world will be a better place.”

Patricia has given her time and talent as the Parent Faculty Group president and a room parent coordinator for Saints Simon & Jude Elementary School in Huntington Beach, and as coordinator and parent chaperone for Santa Ana’s Mater Dei High School Summer and Fall Children’s Cheerleading Camps. She has also served as cheer coordinator for the Huntington Beach Pop Warner Football and Cheer organization, and president of the booster club for PACE All-Stars, a competitive cheer and dance organization.

She has also found time to volunteer for the Orange County Food Bank, Special Olympics, MADD, the Susan B. Komen Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Project Playhouse, and her church’s Loaves and Fishes project to assist the needy. With the assistance of a program called the Heart of Experian, which is managed by her Costa Mesa-based employer Experian, Patricia is also able to provide funds to the organizations she supports based upon the hours she gives.

“I think my daughter and son need to know that they are very lucky and need to help those less fortunate than themselves. By volunteering to help others, especially kids, we can pay it forward and make the future better for everyone.”