2010 Volunteers Of The Year

It’s with great excitement that we at Positive Promotions announce the 2010 “I Make a Difference” Volunteer of the Year award winners. These dedicated volunteers have made a lasting impression on their communities and to the people who live within them. We extend our gratitude and congratulations to not only the winners but all of this year’s nominees for their efforts to create a happier and healthier world for each one of us. We would also like to offer a huge “Thank you!” to everyone who took the time to nominate these wonderful volunteers and share with us stories of their valuable contributions. The winners were selected by a panel of professional volunteer coordinators. Choosing winners was challenging yet rewarding, since almost 200 worthy individuals were nominated. First place winners in each category receive a $500 donation to their facilities while second place winners receive a $250 donation. We eagerly await your nominations for 2011!



EAST REGION


FIRST PLACE JANET FARRAND Foster and Adoptive Family Services (FAFS),NJ, Junction, Monmouth



Caring for children has been central in Janet Farrand’s life for over two decades. Not only has she fostered more than 50 children, but “literally thousands of children in foster care benefit daily from Janet’s outstanding volunteer efforts,” said her nominator Nicky Goodwine-Samuels. In the numerous positions she’s held within FAFS, Janet has been instrumental in creating programs and raising funds. Her accomplishments include developing the Clothing Pantry, a service providing proper fitting and weather-appropriate clothing for children in foster care, and founding Fostering Wishes for Children, a statewide mini-grant program that makes paying for music lessons, sports fees, and other “little extras” possible for foster parents. Janet also has been active in other child welfare-related organizations in New Jersey and has played an important role in implementing legislation that protects children. She’s been the recipient of several prestigious honors, such as the “New Jersey Foster Parents of the Year Award” and the “Angel in Adoption Award” presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.



EAST REGION


SECOND PLACE PRESTON WOLLETT Seven Oaks Senior Center, Baltimore, MD



Preston’s service to his country didn’t end after he got out of the military; it has continued as he enriches the lives of those in his community. He volunteers at several organizations, including Seven Oaks, Perry Hall United Methodist Church, Loch Raven VA Hospital, and his local AARP chapter. At the Senior Center, Preston assists in meal preparation, serves on the executive board, and has started a fund for seniors. At Loch Raven, Preston created a “Day of Service Program” to provide care packages to the 120 veterans who live there. He makes the packages with the support of local businesses and volunteers from AARP and the senior center. Additionally, he created a charitable fund in remembrance of his beloved wife, Betty, to help more people in need. “His acts of kindness will last a lifetime to those who see his vision and works in motion,” said Director of Seven Oaks Senior Center Lisa Kennedy, who nominated Preston for this award.



WESTERN REGION


FIRST PLACE MARILYN LIEN Phelps Memorial Health Center(PMHC),Holdrege,NE



Marilyn has been the driving force behind volunteerism at PMHC for more than four decades. As the secretary of the hospital’s Service League (the volunteer department at the facility) for all those years, she has been the go-to person for decorating, fundraising, and recruiting others to volunteer for special occasions and holidays. Be it participating in the “Christmas Tree Walk” at a local museum or organizing dinners and dances, Marilyn uses her creative skill and attention to detail to make every effort a resounding success. “Each event that is held, each volunteer that works for PMHC, each Service League action is a reflection of the strength, helpfulness, creativity, and love that Marilyn Lien brings to those at PMHC,” said her nominator Rhonda Johnson. Additionally, on Tuesdays Marilyn volunteers in the surgery waiting room, assisting families as they wait for loved ones. She delivers drinks and snacks and listens to their concerns. She even finds time to help with office work and to update the hospital scrapbook.



WESTERN REGION


SECOND PLACE PAUL GORMAN Sunrise of Lenexa,Lenexa,KS



Paul’s mother resides at Sunrise, but his generosity and kindness have brightened the lives of most all who live and work at the facility. Paul is nicknamed “The Candyman” because several days a week he offers each resident a piece of candy when he visits. He leads, calls, and presents prizes for Prize Bingo, and even took the initiative to create his own weekly activity, “Fun Time With Paul.” This energetic exercise program held on Sundays is geared toward Sunrise’s Alzheimer’s and dementia population, with Paul providing all the materials necessary to make it happen. He also spends time with residents who require special attention, putting them at ease in his caring, gentle way. Paul never hesitates to step in and assist where he is needed. “All of our residents just adore him and he them,” said Carrie Arnold, lead care manager at Sunrise, who commented on Paul’s efforts. “I hope he continues to come for many years because I know that the residents will enjoy it.”



MIDWEST REGION


FIRST PLACE,/br> HELEN PETERSON



Living at Home Block Nurse Program, Granite Falls, MN Staying in their homes is important for many elderly individuals, and Helen offers them the opportunity to do just that. She travels to see senior citizens in a nearby community three to four days a week and spends at least two hours with each person, taking him or her to appointments, playing games, going shopping, and assisting with whatever is needed. Helen often brings along homemade goodies or vegetables from her garden as an exciting treat. All of this adds up to better overall health for many of the seniors and delayed nursing home placement, said her nominator, program director Mary Ims. But if someone she helps does move into a nursing home, Helen continues her visits there. She volunteers in the activity department at a local nursing home and serves coffee to residents. The daughter of one of the seniors Helen spends time with stated, “Our mom is so much happier since Helen came into her life. Her life has taken on a whole new meaning.”



MIDWEST REGION


SECOND PLACE DON WILLIS,Thorne Elementary School, Dearborn Heights, MI



Every week for seven years, Don has selflessly offered his time to Thorne Elementary. He has continued to volunteer in a variety of capacities there, despite the fact that his daughter no longer attends the school and has moved on to middle school. He probably is most recognized as “The Popcorn Man” for selling popcorn at the school on Thursdays. Sales go to subsidize field trips which would normally be too expensive for the at-risk district. He also serves breakfast to preschoolers on a daily basis, chaperones field trips, and acts as conductor and Santa Claus for the preschool’s Polar Express Day. In addition, he was president of Thorne’s parent group for two years and does office work when needed. “He possesses such a generous and loving heart,” said his nominators Maureen Molloy, Jean Schuenberger, and the staff at the school. “We are extremely blessed to have him as part of our Thorne family.”



SOUTH REGION


FIRST PLACE JAMES D. HOPKINS Countryside High School, Clearwater, Florida



When you’re a teenager, planning for the future can be a daunting task. But students at Countryside have an advantage with the Cougar Career Center and James, one of its volunteers. For more than 20 hours per week, James shares his knowledge with students and prepares them for what may lie ahead—be it college, work, vocational or technical school, or the military. James arranges military recruiter visits, coordinates job shadowing opportunities, and solicits part-time jobs from local merchants. When students inquire about work, James assists with interview preparation and applications. His fluency in Spanish and his world travels help him relate to minority students and makes them feel comfortable speaking with him. Additionally, James markets the Career Center at after-school events, encourages students to volunteer in areas they’re interested in, and has secured funding to improve school presentations. He also organized a widely successful College and Career Fair. “Parents and teachers say that Mr. Hopkins provides students with insight to possibilities,” said his nominator, Jane Hussar, “and he makes them think for themselves.”



SOUTH REGION


SECOND PLACE MARGIE QUINTAL Dallas Independent School District,Dallas, TX



Margie wears many hats at Martha Turner Reilly Elementary and has for more than 45 years, as three generations of her family have passed through its doors. She has assisted with book fairs, the Reilly Fun Run, class parties, the Uniform Recycling Project, and teacher appreciation events. Margie updates the community on school happenings, serves on the PTA Board, and tutors students. She has increased family participation in school activities and has been honored by the school district. In April 2010, she was named “2010 Outstanding Elementary School Volunteer.” Margie’s service has inspired others to volunteer at the school, including many family members. “Ms. Quintal is the quintessential volunteer who helps, not only for personal gain, but for a sense of duty and the wish to help others,” said volunteer coordinator Helen Stettler. “This is the greatest gift that she passes on to our students and staff.”