For Stephanie L. Mcjury, giving back is a full-time job.

But the Fairport, NY, native wouldn’t exactly describe her efforts as “work.” Since graduating from Niagara University with a degree in Tourism and Recreation Management, she has started a career in the hospitality industry. Yet she pursues her true passion outside of the office.

Stephanie L. Mcjury is committed to improving the lives of others. And this started at a young age. She began serving meals at homeless shelters in high school. Most recently, she served as the chapter leader for her university’s alumni group. Now residing in Washington, DC, Stephanie L. Mcjury has influenced the lives of many here and throughout upstate New York.

But this work only scratches the surface. Below, Stephanie L. Mcjury shares five charities and organizations she’s supported that are especially meaningful.

Wreaths Across America

Like many others, Stephanie Mcjury looks forward to Wreaths Across America each year. The annual event is designed to honor fallen veterans by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies throughout the U.S. Yet it’s also meant to serve as an educational moment, reminding others of the sacrifice made to protect the nation’s basic freedoms. While Stephanie Mcjury has participated at Arlington National Cemetery for several consecutive years, Wreaths Across America takes place each December at more than 2,500 locations across all 50 states.

So Others Might Eat

Abbreviated as SOME, So Others Might Eat is more than just filling plates. The Washington, DC, initiative aims to end the cycle of poverty. The organization is a comprehensive, community-based effort with a wide range of services. In addition to helping individuals meet their daily needs, SOME works to provide affordable housing, job training, counseling, and substance abuse treatment.

Honor Flight Network

Military-oriented events hold special importance for Stephanie Mcjury. Both of her grandfathers served in the Army. Honor Flight Network is another way she can carry on this legacy. This program’s mission is to shower veterans with gratitude, support, and ensure they are never forgotten. To achieve this, Honor Flight Network arranges travel so that veterans can spend a day at these war memorials. Stephanie Mcjury serves as a greeter, welcoming these war heroes to the nation’s capital.

Lollypop Farm

Stephanie Mcjury has an equally-dogged devotion to helping animals too. As part of the Human Society of Greater Rochester, Lollypop Farm has been a fixture in the community since 1873. It provides shelter and other services for abused or neglected animals, caring for more than 10,000 pets each year. Knowing that this is such a valuable resource near her hometown, Stephanie Mcjury continues to volunteer here whenever possible.

Andy & JJ Dalton Foundation 

Stephanie Mcjury doesn’t just support organizations in her own backyard. Her philanthropy reaches much further. She has donated to the Andy & JJ Dalton Foundation. In fact, her contribution, like with others, gained significant social media attention. When Andy Dalton, then quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, beat the Baltimore Ravens in 2017, it also helped propel the Buffalo Bills into the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. In a tremendous show of support, Bills fans donated to the quarterback’s charity, amounting to a surprising $442,000.