A larger-than-life photo of Patrick, plastered on the side of a Goodwill truck, has traveled all over South Jersey. However, Haddonfield knew him first.
At an intersection in Haddonfield, Alan Heavens looked over to see his son, Patrick, smiling back at him. A larger-than-life photo of Patrick, plastered on the side of a Goodwill truck, has traveled all over South Jersey. However, Haddonfield knew him first.
When asked how he felt about his picture being displayed all over Camden County, Patrick said he was “excited” to see it, with a grin ear to ear. Although Patrick is not a man of many words, his story tells thousands.
Director of Corporate Communications of Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia Juli Lundberg said Patrick was the perfect fit for Goodwill’s campaign, started several years back to show the faces of Goodwill.
“He is so highly talked about by his supervisors,’’ Lundbergsaid. “He’s always on the ball … super personable and happy guy.”
Lundberg said those were only a few reasons Patrick was selected out of more than 70 Goodwill associates at the Outsourcing and Production Fulfillment Center in Pennsauken, where Patrick works. In addition to his personality, Patrick has been with Goodwill for years and has been an asset to the team.
“He was such a pleasure to work with,” Lundberg said.
As a Haddonfield Memorial High School graduate, Patrick’s face is familiar around Haddonfield. He can often be found walking around Haddonfield or at the local Starbucks, which happens to be one of his favorite hangout spots. Patrick often goes to the barber shop and has built a rapport with his barber, whom he engages in playful banter.
“I like his independence,” Alan said. “He knows Haddonfield like the back of his hand.”
Shortly after graduating from HMHS in 2010, Patrick began working at Goodwill in Pennsauken. In 2011, he left to attend Camden County College’s “Gateway program,” which is designed to teach those with disabilities skills that can be applied to life in a working environment. After staying a semester, Patrick was ready to return to Goodwill.
Patrick spends his work week preparing boxes of supplies for expectant mothers. Preparing five to six boxes a day with bottles, formula, coupons and creams, Patrick is always busy and says his favorite part of work is spending time with his fellow coworkers, who are also his friends, and listening to music.
In his free time, Patrick is involved in various community programs and has made efforts to raise money for families of those with Down syndrome.
Patrick is involved with the ACHaD program at the JCC and belongs to Bringing Up Down Syndrome of South Jersey, which is designed to help families with of children with Down syndrome, according to his father. Last year, Patrick managed to raise $750 through his father’s Facebook page for BUDS’ annual fundraiser.
In his personal life, Patrick can be found indulging in classic horror films or playing the occasional round of golf, among other hobbies that include swimming, the theater, playing piano, traveling with his family and experimenting with different foods, other than his favorite meal — a cheeseburger.
Patrick is continuously finding new ways to make those around him smile, including his father. Alan said his son always finds a new book for him to read for every holiday or special occasion.
“For every special event, Patrick knows exactly what to get me,” Alan explained. “He just knows me.”
Recently Alan received a book on the End of the Indian Wars from Patrick and a variety of books on the Civil War, which are his favorites.
“We have been fortunate in having someone as industrious, independent, smart and funny as he is,” Alan said. “We are lucky to have him in our lives.”
