Hi friends of Care and Share !
Did you know that April 10th-April 16th was National Volunteer Appreciation Week? On Thursday, April 14th, Care and Share Food Bank hosted the 2016 Volunteer Appreciation: Spring Soiree event.
Seventy-one volunteers each contributed more than 100 hours of their invaluable time. They received 2015 Presidential Service awards and were thanked and honored as Americans who inspire others to engage in volunteer service.
Three extraordinary volunteers were recognized for their exceptional dedication to volunteerism:
Cat Loera volunteered nearly 1,300 hours of volunteer service in 2015. Like many of our volunteers, she “gets it.” She volunteers at Care and Share as well as her mother’s pantry. She also provides food to Southern Colorado families in need. Cat can be found volunteering at Care and Share’s agency checkout area making sure each and every one of our guests feel welcomed.
Ginger Mixon has volunteered more days than any other volunteer: 152 days out of 365 days of the year! Ginger has also accepted the role of Peer Coordinator, teaching and working alongside new groups of volunteers, showing them the ropes of sorting and packing. Please note that Ginger’s picture is not featured because she was unable to attend the event.
Tom Hire received this year’s excellence in volunteering award, The Ernie Lykins Award. Staff refers to Tom as a “Godsend” and volunteers have said he is one of the most patient and kindest people they have ever known. He has dedicated much of his time assisting in off-loading food from our trucks and leading groups of volunteers. Tom never leaves until the job is completely done. He once worked tirelessly with a young person who had visual impairments to ensure that he found a job that was a good fit for her. His patience and kindness made her feel welcomed and valued as every volunteer should be.
At Care and Share, we are gracious to have the best volunteers who not only share in our belief that no one should go hungry, but are dedicated to making our community a better, brighter place.
