BY DONNA SWICEGOOD

Kneeling down to help others makes Michael Davidson feel tall.

While sharing his own experiences as a volunteer for a laundry list of organizations, Davidson was also speaking on behalf of the honorees at the recent United Way of Iredell County’s Outstanding Volunteer and Governor’s Volunteer Service Award (GVSA) Recognition and Celebration.

“This phrase has been with me my whole life,” he said after receiving the GVSA and Medallion Award during Thursday’s event at the Heritage House in Mooresville.

“Man has never stood so tall as when he knelt down to help someone. And if you think about that, how powerful that statement is, that we all of us kneel down to help somebody and how good that makes us feel,” he said.

Davidson was one of 16 people recognized Thursday.

Brad Bullock, who nominated Davidson for the honor, described him as a selfless person.

“We’re just really proud to have Mike as part of our organization and to be such a good friend. Thank you to Mike and all you do,” he said.

In his nomination, Bullock said Davidson is an active board member for G4G Ministries and heads up the grilling team for that organization.

“Not only does Mike supervise 30-plus events that G4G hosts annually, but he also services our grills and equipment, enabling the ministry to consistently take our mobile grilling to neighborhoods and locations in our community who struggle with food scarcity,” he wrote.

G4G is just one of the organizations that Davidson helps his community. He volunteers or is a part of a number of other groups, ranging from the Ruritan Club to Rolling Thunder to the Iredell County Animal Shelter.

“If there is a need, Mike Davidson seeks to help in whatever capacity he is able. His constant thinking of others, working diligently to help whenever asked or need, and his selfless giving is what makes him the perfect nominee for this award,” Bullock wrote.

Honorees

The others who were honored Thursday were:

♦ Cindy Bell (GVSA recipient): Bell was nominated by Melba Ritchie for her involvement in scouting for more than 35 years. “She is active in her Cub Scout Pack 173 and has served as a den leader providing mentorship to youth, and as an assistant Cubmaster providing additional mentorship to other leaders. Cindy is active on the District Committee helping to solve problems and plan activities for the youth, and as a District Commissioner providing mentorship to struggling units. Cindy is the Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner where Cub leaders come together to get ideas for their units, to have fellowship and learn from each other, to learn of upcoming events, and to learn of upcoming changes within the program. Cindy plans a Trail to Advancement day every year for all new scouts registering in Iredell County. One hundred-plus scouts and 20 volunteers come together to learn about the scouting program, and what the Scout Oath and Law mean and how to make sure we live by it. A science session and Archery & BBs make the day complete and a ton of fun. With all of that said, Cub Scout Daycamp is Cindy’s biggest joy. Cindy has been the director of Daycamp for 33 years. She brings together up to 400 Cub Scouts, 150 staff members, and 60 older scouts to provide a full week of fun, advancement, character values, citizenship, and more. Many of these adult volunteers sign up to volunteer as a leader within their Child’s Pack. Once Daycamp is over, she starts planning for the next year with a new and different theme. Cindy puts in countless hours researching and planning. She does not believe in filling time but wants the kids to learn something from the activities that she plans. She pulls together her volunteer staff each year and trains them prior to Daycamp. Cindy makes sure no child is left behind. If there is a financial hardship, she searches until she finds a sponsor for that child. Cindy has a big heart. Everyone tells the kids to be on their best behavior or they might have to go see Ms. Bell. Ms. Bell sits with them and talks about their day and the issue and makes a new friend. Hardly ever do they come back for discipline, but they do stop back by to say hi. Cindy always makes her volunteers feel appreciated. She thanks them constantly and lets them know Daycamp could not happen without them. She provides snacks to staff one day at camp, maybe a pack of gum or candy one day, and a wrap-up dinner the week after camp. Cindy puts a lot of heart and soul into the scouting program, and she says she gets more out of it than the kids. Cindy has touched the lives of thousands of kids over the years and probably just as many adults.

♦ Trish Edd (Outstanding Volunteer): Katherine Lewis, in nominating Edd, wrote that she is an exceptional volunteer with the Heartstrings Therapeutic Music and Art program at Children’s Hope Alliance for the past three years. She serves a private piano teacher and mentor. “She works with each of her four current students for 30 minutes weekly throughout the year and truly has a gift to connect with and meet each youth exactly where they are in the moment to advance in their musical studies as well as their personal growth and wellness. Trish spends countless hours finding new songs, books, music theory, and more to engage and challenge her students and she is beloved for her kind, attentive, patient, and encouraging style. She is much more than a friendly face for all of our Heartstrings students who come from varied backgrounds in our community of foster, adoptive, and therapeutic care, but is also a dedicated mentor who shares her time and talents with us through a multitude of other events such as our spring fling and fall festivals, summer camps, recitals and “Music Speaks” concert series, as well as our Gift of Giving event during the holidays. Trish has also worked with several other private piano students and positively impacted hundreds of families with her gentle nature, engaging lessons, and outstanding service to our community programs this year,” Lewis wrote.

♦ Ray Englebert (GVSA recipient): Englebert, a long-time resident of Statesville, was nominated by Maureen Moore. She described him as someone who continually gives back to the community. “He works full-time as a senior financial advisor for Merrill Lynch working countless hours to serve his clients, but always makes the time to give back to his community. He currently serves as president of the Statesville Rotary Club and is an executive at large on the board of the United Way of Iredell County. He also is serving his second year on the Rescue Ranch board, a nonprofit animal rescue organization in Iredell County. Ray participates in the Bank of America Community Volunteers Program, helping out with several community projects throughout the year. He actively serves with the Iredell County Council for Aging with their meals on wheels program. He has also served with Habitat for Humanity. In addition, Ray served as chair of the board of the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont the past few years, putting in hundreds if not thousands of hours as a volunteer board member.Ray is a kind, caring person who is always looking to help others, both personally and professionally. He is a servant leader, Raty dedicates a lot of time to volunteering and always gives 100%. He is a great example of putting ‘Service Above Self’,” Moore wrote.

♦ Debbie Hudson (Outstanding Volunteer): Paul Mihelich nominated Hudson for her long-time volunteer efforts for FeedNC. “She has demonstrated this commitment by coming into FeedNC to serve our community. Debbie sees this service as giving our neighbors in need of a hand up, not a handout. Those that we serve love seeing Debbie in Grassroots Grocery, our Food Pantry. Debbie also helps out sealing meals every Tuesday morning. Wherever FeedND is short of having enough volunteers Debbie is one of the first volunteers to offer to come in and help us out. Special Note: some years back Debbie saved a guest of FeedNC’s life by performing CPR on him. Debbie always brings a smile with her every time she comes in. Debbie is a caring person. I remember the day about 3 years ago when Debbie told me we were going to be seeing a lot more of her. I asked why? Debbie said she was retiring from nursing and she has the need to continue serving people – as long as we’ll have her and God has that plan for her,” Mihelich wrote.

♦ Karen Kidd (GVSA recipient): Jordan Joines, in nominating Kidd, with the Foundation of Hope Ministries (FOHM), said she is an exemplary force of volunteer representation in the county. “Karen is the founder of FOHM, a grassroots organization that stemmed directly from her drive to help others not only in her community but any individual(s) that she came in contact with who needed a hand in life. Over the past year, Karen has continued to make an impact in the lives of individuals that are often overlooked. With attendance at over 60 formal community events as a volunteer or co-facilitator in Iredell and surrounding counties, Karen volunteers her time daily to individuals experiencing homelessness, various mental health struggles, and justice-involved individuals. She provides hope in serving a meal, providing or organizing transportation, finding employment, sourcing housing options, or getting necessary supplies for those who are sleeping outside, and most importantly, giving many individuals a community of their own and support that they can count on. She works hand in hand with people to enrich their lives, no matter how small the steps may be to get them back up and running independently. Through her commitment to helping others, Karen/ FOHM was selected through a formal review process, as a non-profit organization to receive the Good Neighbor Award through Goodwill Industries of NWNC in both 2022 and 2023. This recognition awards the selected organization with a monetary donation in support of the work of their mission. Those funds have provided countless supplies, meals, travel arrangements, clothing, and more.In addition to serving our homeless, Karen also works with families in local hotels through FOHM. We average 57 children in more than 25 families in these temporary housing situations. Among these children, some are part of Goodwill’s Prison Fellowship Angel Tree program. Foundation of Hope partners with Goodwill Reentry to serve the children of incarcerated parents. This year they provided toys, sponsors, and the annual Angel Tree party for 105 children in 48 families. (I just Karen has a special skill set of networking and connecting with various individuals in her community to gain support and assistance for those in need. She is an individual who provides a judgment-free environment to those who are struggling and creates a safe place for them to come. In addition to serving participants, she often takes the lead on community events by working diligently to find sponsors, host events, decorate facilities, coordinate volunteers, gain involvement of community agencies, work with city or county entities to be in compliance, and promote the event. Her ability to create relationships, charisma, and humility all contribute to her value in serving our community. Some of Karen’s greatest impact in our community are a Community Fun Day that served over 500 people, sponsoring Iredell’s first Black Balloon Day in honor of those who have overdosed, organizing a group of homeless volunteers for Crossroads Cleanup Day where over 30 bags of trash was collected to help beautify our city, and sponsoring , organizing, and serving over 1500 students in Iredell / Statesville School System events. Although these events are a few of many, they show the vast reach and diversity of Karen’s volunteerism and her heart for our community,” Joines wrote.

♦ Emily Kiral (GVSA recipient: Anne Mautner, in her nomination of Kiral, said she has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to volunteerism with the Kindness Closet. “As the volunteer coordinator for one of our hygiene closets at HealthReach, a free health clinic, Emily plays a pivotal role in ensuring this essential resource is consistently stocked with hygiene supplies for patients in need. She communicates regularly with volunteers who sign up to donate products each week, providing instructions, advice, and diligent follow-up. When weeks go by with no volunteer sign-ups, Emily takes it upon herself to collect hygiene products from our warehouse and personally deliver them to HealthReach. Her reliability, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable part of our team. Many patients, especially those who are sick, are able to receive basic hygiene products such as toothpaste, shampoo, and soap because of Emily’s tireless efforts. In addition to managing the hygiene closet at HealthReach, Emily has been instrumental in organizing and hosting volunteer events that promote community involvement. Her ability to bring people together and create opportunities for others to contribute reflects her natural leadership and deep passion for service. One of her recent achievements was organizing a day of service on MLK Day, which she actively promoted on social media. As a result, 20 volunteers showed up, eager to give back, and worked together for three hours. This event not only helped expand our reach but also exposed people of all ages to the crucial work we do to combat hygiene poverty in our county. Emily’s unique skills include exceptional organizational abilities, a deep sense of empathy, and an inspiring capacity to motivate others to get involved. She has also been instrumental in creating a comprehensive volunteer handbook for our organization, along with offering valuable policy recommendations to ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all volunteers.Her leadership in coordinating volunteers and her unyielding commitment to meeting critical community needs have made a profound and lasting impact on our organization. Thanks to Emily’s hard work and dedication, we are able to serve those in need more effectively. The positive ripple effect of her service continues to benefit our community as a whole. I firmly believe that every organization needs someone like Emily. We are certainly a better nonprofit because of her.

♦ Mark Kusick (Outstanding Volunteer): Nicole Bailey described Kusick as a committed volunteer with the Rescue Ranch animal care team. “Mark has been a committed volunteer and has done so much for the animals and the animal care team. He volunteers three days a week, most weeks, doing outdoor animal care as well as gardening. He always has a positive attitude, and gets along great with all of our other volunteers. Mark does everything he’s asked with no complaints. He is always willing to help with whatever is needed. Mark has shown his commitment to our mission and values that we promote. We are so grateful to have him! Mark also donates his time to volunteer at other organizations. Mark is an outstanding human,” Bailey wrote.

♦ Wendy Martin (GVSA recipient): Pam Navey, who nominated Martin for the award, said she is an invaluable community member, both in her role at Goodwill Workforce Development and within the community for her volunteerism. “She is deeply passionate about her work and volunteer efforts, embodying her values in everything she does. Wendy is like an “energizer bunny,” always serving where she can make the greatest impact, especially with the ever-changing and diverse populations she works with. At Westminster Church of God, Wendy serves as both a Community Volunteer and Social Media Director. She has been instrumental in organizing Hurricane Helene relief efforts, including coordinating donations for Marion Hub at Restoration Church of God to aid victims of the hurricane. Wendy also helps organize several church and community events, including the Fall Festival, Easter Community Event, Daddy-Daughter Dance, Veteran’s Dinner, Angel Tree Christmas Distribution, Operation Shoebox, Special Needs Night, and Forgiven Ministries’ One Day With God Volunteer Program. Wendy was a founding member of the Foundation of Hope Ministries Board and now serves on its Advisory Board. She also volunteers her social media expertise with FOHM, making complex tasks run smoothly with her exceptional organizational skills. Additionally, Wendy volunteers with the Local Reentry Council and is a member of the Homelessness Collaborative in Iredell. She’s dedicated to providing individuals with a hand up rather than a handout, always striving to connect people with the resources they need. As the Iredell County Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Program Coordinator, Wendy is a constant source of support in the community, helping those in need by connecting them to the right people or offering her own assistance. Despite dealing with health challenges recently, Wendy remains committed in her service, always finding the good in others and taking immediate action to help. Her unwavering dedication to the community is truly inspiring,” Navey wrote.

♦ Mitzie McCurdy (GVSA recipient): Jennifer Barraclough described McCurdy as the epitome of dedication, compassion and selfless service. “As board chair for the Iredell Council on Aging and a long-time volunteer, she has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of older adults in Iredell County. If you know Mitzie, you know that she puts her whole heart into everything she does. She never hesitates to step in when needed, always saying “yes” with a smile, whether it’s delivering meals, advocating for older adults, organizing events, or ensuring that critical services continue without interruption. Her passion for serving others is infectious, inspiring those around her to give more, do more, and be more. Over the past year, Mitzie has been instrumental in strengthening the Iredell Council on Aging’s mission, providing leadership that fosters growth, collaboration, and enhance services for older adults. Whether she is rallying volunteers, mentoring new board members, or working behind the scenes to support programs, she dos it with grace, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to the well-being of the community. Her ability to bring people together and create lasting change is a rare and invaluable gift. Mitzie’s dedication extends far beyond the Council of Aging. She has been a cornerstone of service in Iredell County for decades, actively volunteering with numerous organizations, including the Lake Norman Civitan Club, Love United Iredell Selection Committee, United Way Allocation Committee, Iredell Healthy Carolinians, and the Iredell Safe Kids Program, among many others. Her contributions to community health initiatives through the School Health Advisory Committee for ISS and MGSD, the Iredell Heart Ball Executive Committee, and the NC Healthcare Volunteer Practitioner Program have had a lasting impact on the well-being of countless individuals She has also served on the boards of Lowe’s YMCA and Ada Jenkins, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to building a healthier, more connected community. Her influence is not just measured in the number of hours she volunteers or the committees she serves on, but in the lives she touches. She has helped provide vital services to older adults who might otherwise be isolated, supported families in need, and worked tirelessly to build a stronger, more connected community. She is a source of encouragement, a problem solver, and a role model, always leading with kindness and a willingness to serve. Mitzie McCurdy is not just a volunteer, she is a force of nature, a champion for her community, and a true example of what it means to give selflessly,” Barraclough wrote.

♦ Aubri McDonald (Outstanding Volunteer): Lindsay Jayson wrote that McDonald shows incredible commitment, compassion and leadership and has made a profound impact on the community. “Aubri contributed an impressive 107 hours of volunteer service to a wide array of organizations, showing exceptional dedication and a strong desire to help those in need. Aubri’s volunteer work spans a variety of causes, demonstrating both her versatility and passion for giving back. She dedicated a significant portion of her time to combating food insecurity, volunteering 29.5 hours with Feed NC and an additional 12 hours with Hit the Streets Feed the Homeless. Through these efforts, she provided food and support to those in need in our region. Aubri also gave five hours of her time to Inspire Our Children’s Back to School Bash, helping to ensure that students started the school year prepared and with supplies that were needed. Her commitment to the arts is equally notable, having contributed 28 hours volunteering with the Mooresville Arts Guild. Aubri played an active role in arts programming and community outreach, using her creative talents to enrich the community. She also dedicated 6.75 hours to the Davidson Community Players, helping bring cultural enrichment and joy to the local community through the performing arts. In addition to these efforts, Aubri volunteered 1 hour with the Alzheimer’s Association, 1.5 hours with the Bridge of Hearts, 3.5 hours with Rescue Ranch (an organization dedicated to animal welfare), and 2.5 hours with the Christian Mission, supporting individuals and families in need of assistance. Beyond her volunteer hours, Aubri’s leadership within the National Charity League (NCL) demonstrates her strong sense of responsibility and community involvement. Over the years, she has served in multiple roles, including as historian, Tea Chair, and Vice President of Philanthropy. In these positions, she helped in organizing and leading philanthropic projects, inspiring and guiding other members to make differences in the lives of those less fortunate. Aubri’s passion for dance is also a defining aspect of her life, as she dances over 15 hours a week and volunteers by assisting in teaching seven classes per week. Additionally, Aubri’s athleticism shines through her past experience as a level 10 gymnast, where she qualified for regionals three years in a row and was an alternate for nationals. Outside of her volunteer and athletic pursuits, Aubri is a dedicated artist, spending her remaining free time painting and sketching. Her love for literature is also evident, as she has read at least 25 books over the past year, further reflecting her intellectual curiosity and passion for self-growth. With 107 hours of service in 2024, leadership in NCL, and a strong history of balancing athletics, art, and community involvement, Aubri McDonald is a shining example of what it means to volunteer selflessly for the greater good. Her remarkable contributions reflect a person who is not only driven to make a difference but who also inspires others to join in this work,” Jayson wrote.

♦ Elizabeth Montgomery (Outstanding Volunteer): Lindsay Jayson, who nominated both McDonald and Montgomery, wrote that Montgomery embodies the spirit of service and kindness. “Over the course of the year, she contributed a total of 95 hours to various organizations and causes, embodying the spirit of service and kindness. Elizabeth’s volunteer efforts in 2024 spanned multiple organizations, each benefiting from her energy and time. She selflessly participated in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, dedicating 5 hours to raising awareness for this critical cause. In addition, she worked with the Bridge of Hearts, contributing 7 hours to support those in need, and assisted with the Davidson Community Players for 5.5 hours, bringing joy through the arts to the local community. Her contributions also extended to several other impactful organizations. She volunteered 16 hours with Feed NC, helping to alleviate food insecurity in our region, and 8 hours with Hope of Mooresville (HOMe), supporting local families in crisis. Elizabeth also spent 6.5 hours at the Hope Street Food Pantry, ensuring that families had access to nutritious meals. Elizabeth’s generosity extended to initiatives supporting children, including 4 hours with Inspire Our Children’s Back to School Bash, where she helped prepare students for the upcoming school year. She also volunteered with the Lake Norman Special Olympics for 5 hours, supporting athletes and ensuring they had a positive experience. At Lowe’s YMCA, Elizabeth contributed 9.5 hours, assisting with disaster relief from Hurricane Helene. In addition, Elizabeth took the time to volunteer with Operation Gratitude (4 hours), The Christian Mission (6.5 hours), and Kindness Closet (9 hours), all of which are organizations working to provide essential services to underserved communities. Her commitment to each of these causes reflects her deep compassion and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Beyond her individual contributions, Elizabeth demonstrates leadership in her volunteer work as the current Vice President of Philanthropy for the National Charity League (NCL) Lake Norman chapter. In this role, she leads and organizes philanthropic efforts, motivating and guiding other members to make a meaningful impact in our community. Her ability to inspire others and coordinate projects shows her exceptional leadership skills and her unwavering commitment to giving back. She is also a member of the dance team at Lake Norman High School. Elizabeth’s 95 hours of volunteer work in 2024, combined with her leadership role in NCL Lake Norman, exemplify the core values of service, dedication, and leadership. Her commitment to improving the lives of others, both locally and beyond, deserves to be recognized,” Jayson wrote.

♦ Paula Montgomery (Outstanding Volunteer): Jennifer Jamison called Montgomery a shining example of what one person can do to help. “Paula serves as a leader in the NCL-LKN organization and works directly with 27 philanthropies to meet community needs. This year has been especially challenging for Paula as she has been battling breast cancer. Surgery, radiation, and chemo slowed her down a little from previous years, but she still served hundreds of hours to impact our community. Paula is quiet, listens to needs, surveys options, engages others, plans, keeps everyone organized, follows up and follows through to achieve the goal. Planning Winter Wonderland with FeedNC, helping with fundraising to raise over $33K for local philanthropies, organizing food drives, supply drives and book drives. She even had time to pull together a group of people to raise money for Susan G Kohman Cancer Walk. I am so blessed to see her lead by example,” Jamison wrote.

♦ Dr. Linda Morris (GVSA): Steph Richart said Morris is a compassionate visionary and the driving force behind Bridge of Hearts, a nonprofit founded in 2023. “As the volunteer executive director, Linda has built a mission-centered organization dedicated to bringing joy and dignity to children in need by ensuring their birthdays are celebrated and their essential hygiene needs are met. Through Linda’s leadership, Bridge of Hearts has grown into a vital community resource, partnering with 50 school counselors across Iredell and north Mecklenburg counties, including Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville.The organization’s hallmark Celebrating Birthday program provides underprivileged children with personalized birthday bags that include two new, wrapped, age-appropriate books, three wrapped gifts, cake mix, frosting, snacks, a hygiene kit, and a heartfelt birthday card. The impact of Linda’s work doesn’t stop there. Her Caring for Children program ensures schools are stocked year-round with full-size hygiene products and nutritious snacks, while her Emergency Bags initiative offers immediate relief to housing-insecure children with supplies like sleeping bags, pillows, hygiene kits, and comfort items. In 2023, Linda launched the Caring for Babies program to provide pregnant middle and high school students with essential items for their newborns. Linda’s tireless dedication has produced remarkable results. In just one year, under her inspiring leadership:• 993 children received birthday bags of gifts and books.• 1,986 new books were added to these children’s personal collections.• 5,821 snack bags were distributed.• 2,894 hygiene kits were delivered to children.• 78 emergency bags provided critical aid to children in crisis.• 3 teenage mothers received vital baby care packages. These achievements, made possible by the efforts of over 500 dedicated volunteers, reflect Linda’s charisma, hard work, and deep passion for creating memorable, joy-filled moments for every child. Her ability to mobilize and inspire her community has made Bridge of Hearts a beacon of hope and compassion. For her extraordinary leadership, unwavering commitment to children, and transformative impact on the community, Linda is an exemplary candidate for this award. Her work embodies the very spirit of service, reminding us all of the power of kindness and dedication,” Richart wrote.

♦ David Thomas (GVSA recipient): Diane Smith said Thomas is a natural leader at The Christian Mission. She said his guidance has empowered others to contribute effectively and confidently. Smith said Thomas contributions include mentoring and training new volunteers on client assistance and equipment safety protocols. “Dave’s dedication extends to maintaining the facility’s cleanliness and functionality by performing groundskeeping and managing trash removal; breaking down boxes and keeping pantry refrigerators and freezers spotless; community engagement: Dave actively supports our community through participating in annual fundraising efforts, such as the Turkey Trot; assisting with the Christmas Angel program, managing setup and traffic flow during this critical event; Preparing and delivering barrels for food and clothing drives; and weekend contributions: Even on weekends, Dave goes above and beyond by supporting group managers in organizing non-profit volunteers and assigning tasks, including: preparing TEFAP bags; sorting and hanging clothing for the resource store; packaging food boxes for our senior shut-in program; and Restocking pantry shelves to ensure readiness for the week ahead. Dave’s work with seniors is a true testament to his compassion and dedication. He carefully assembles nutritious food packages tailored to meet the needs of shut-ins, allowing staff to focus on administrative tasks. His thoughtful efforts have brought comfort and dignity to some of our most vulnerable community members. Dave’s generosity extends beyond the Christian Mission. Every week, he dedicates three additional hours to Feed NC, demonstrating his deep commitment to combating food insecurity, even on his “off days.” Dave Thomas is more than a volunteer—he is the heart and soul of our food bank and a shining example of the transformative power of service. His tireless efforts, leadership, and passion for helping others embody the spirit of volunteerism. We are honored to nominate him for the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service, as he truly represents the best of humanity in action,” Smith wrote.

♦ Janet Watson (GVSA recipient): Tommy Simmons referred to Watson as an angel. “Ms. Janet prepares meals for 100 individuals weekly. She uses her own kitchen and delivers 60-70 meals to our local motels. She focuses on kids and seniors. She also provides food and a safe place for 30-35 at risk kids every Wednesday evening. They do a meal, bible study, and activities. 2 years ago Ms. Janet came by our food bank after a mutual friend told her about some excess food we had. I immediately started referring to her as an angel and that is still how I introduce her. It’s an honor to know her,” Smith wrote..

Linda Wahlberg, director of administrative operations for the United Way, said time is one of the most valuable gifts one can give and that is an appropriate sentiment for those honored Thursday.

Photos