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Khmer Rouge Survivor Gives Back To Bay Area Community

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) From joining cancer walks to the FBI Academy, Jenny Chea-Vaing helps so many different community groups, her family and friends find it hard to keep up with her! She says she serves from a heart of gratitude, determined to give her best because she has survived some of the worst conditions imaginable.

"You give people happiness, you put a smile on their face, and you feel good," Chea-Vaing said with a smile on her own face.

Chea-Vaing has given the gift of service for the last 16 years. Through her charity, JCV Artz & Kraftz, she's donated thousands of dollars by selling scarves, blankets and hats she's crocheted or knitted herself. And she's mobilized volunteers to serve with her in some two dozen causes from AIDS and Breast Cancer walks to disaster drills and homeless programs.

Recently, she helped coordinator Ana Martinez organize a community open house for the Oakland police Eastmont substation.

"She is our little Energizer bunny that always goes and goes and goes!" said Martinez

Chea-Vaing says she gives in different areas of the community because she is so grateful for her life in America.

"Every time when I go through obstacles and stuff like that, there's always somebody there to help me," she explained. "So I figure if I cannot help all, at least I can make a difference in one person's life."

As a child, Chea-Vaing suffered the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge in her native Cambodia. Her mother was executed. Chea-Vaing escaped with her older sister, hiding from soldiers under dead bodies, and scrounging for food.

"She would pick up leaf and eat it first to make sure it was ok," Chea-Vaing said through tears. "And then she'll pick a lot then give to me."

Her family's immigration to the U.S. in 1984 gave her a second chance at life. Today, she is an insurance broker, wife, and mother of three who lives to give.

"I think she recognizes how important it is to be here in America," said volunteer Tom Heath. "And to pass on her joy of being free and giving back to the community."

She inspires volunteers like Annette Ing-Firmeza.

"You'll never meet another person as giving as Jenny is," she said.

So for her generously giving her time and talents to her community, this week's Jefferson Award in the Bay Area goes to Jenny Chea-Vaing.

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