Pay It Forward: Amanda Matthews of Autaugaville
AUTAUGAVILLE, Ala. (WAKA) – We’re told Amanda Matthews of Autaugaville gives even when she doesn’t have much to give at all. And she does it all in honor of her sister.
Matthews lost her sister from Covid in 2020. Her sister loved to tutor kids. So after she passed, the family wanted to keep her sister’s legacy alive. That is where the vision for the Keshia Matthews Foundation began.
“We have a great support system,” says Matthews. “We have a lot of people reaching out, “How can I do this? What can I do?’ it motivates me and I just want to keep going.”
The foundation helps pay bills for those in need and feed churches and the elderly. Where ever there is a need, Amanda is there to fill it.
“There is so much that you just can’t name,” says Loretta Fuller, Amanda’s pastor. “But anytime somebody contacts her with a need, if she doesn’t have it, she will call somebody and make sure those people get exactly what they need. She has a heart of gold and we just love her to death.”
“I really appreciate her,” says Vernica Smith, who nominated Amanda. “Like I said, my parents, both of them in one year to Covid, and her family was there. They was there for me. So I’m thankful. I am. So this is a token to show her that her work is not in vain.”
And that’s why Stewart Vance with the Vance Law Firm is surprising her!
Amanda says on the hard days, she thinks about her sister and wants to make sure her legacy continues.
“She’s my motivation even though she’s not here. She pushes me every day to keep going. I do work, but while I’m working, I sit there and think of something else I can do for someone else.”
And she says she will continue to pay it forward using her $333.
“I received a call on Saturday night that a family needed help. So we will be giving this to bless that family that is needing food right now.”
Thank you, Amanda, for all you do to Pay It Forward!
