Margo Ezell has lived in Roseville for over four decades and is beloved in the community for her tireless volunteer efforts. After retiring at 60 from Pacific Bell (now AT&T), Ezell knew she wanted to make a difference. Her younger days of being adrift—at 18, shortly after her father’s death, she bought a Greyhound ticket for as far away as her limited funds would take her and wound up in Sacramento, surviving on odd jobs until eventually finding steady work—would later help Ezell empathize deeply in her efforts to help the homeless. 

Over the past 20 years, she’s volunteered with and sits on the board of directors of What Would Jesus Do?, providing meals and transportation services for those in dire need, and liaised with countless other area nonprofits, lending a hand wherever she can. These days, you might find her passing out meals at St. Vincent de Paul’s food bank or driving someone less fortunate to a medical, DMV, or court appointment. Her passion project is making sure those with SSI (Supplemental Security Income) are able to take advantage of their benefits and find the resources they need to get back on their feet. For all her efforts, Ezell was honored with the 2017 Sylvia Besana Community Volunteer Award. “It’s rewarding to see someone get off the street and progress in their lives,” she shares. “It enriches own my life in return.”  

By Amber Foster  //  photo by DANTE FONTANA

Q&A

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Keep learning.

What comes to you naturally? Helping others and honoring any commitment I have made.

What’s your biggest pet peeve? Demanding, rude customers; people protesting without knowing the facts.

Biggest life inspirations?
My Catholic school upbringing.

What are you most proud of? Completing college and getting married in the Catholic Church.

Favorite humanitarian cause? Helping youngsters grow up and become responsible.

FAVORITES:

Author/writer

A.J. Baime

Escape
Going on cruises

Guilty pleasure
Chocolate 

Meal in town
Ninja Sushi 

Memory
A month-long trip to Tibet and China

Local nonprofits
WWJD? and St. Vincent de Paul

Annual event
Raising Spirits (fundraiser for Placer Care Coalition)

Do you know someone in the community who makes a difference or is particularly interesting that we should Get to Know? Email their name, where they live, and why they should be featured to [email protected].