Past Volunteers Of The Year

2010 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: MARIA PRECHT

The 2010 Volunteer of the Year was Maria Precht, a Human Resources Supervisor in Upper Marlboro, Md. Maria volunteers as Vice President of the Junior League of Annapolis Finance Committee. To raise awareness about childhood obesity, Maria teaches healthy eating choices to kids in her community. She has prepared and served meals for area homeless people, provided assistance with transitional housing options and offered skills-based job readiness training.

 2009 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: LEMUEL RODRIGUEZ

For 2009, the C&S 2009 Volunteer of the Year honor was awarded to Lemuel Rodriguez. Lem, a C&S employee since 2007 works in the company's food distribution center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, auditing outgoing product selections.

Lem devoted 1,000 hours to the Council of Spanish Speaking
Organizations of the Lehigh Valley. He volunteered his time to mentor low-income youth in South Bethlehem, PA as an assistant boxing coach and trainer. He recently participated in producing an anti-gang DVD to help keep local families and naighborhoods safe.

2008 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: DON LACHANCE
Senior Director of Inbound Quality Logistics and Reclamation
Windsor Locks, CT

Don LaChance, 2008 C&S Volunteer of the Year, is an example of what it means to give back to the community by investing in others. 

A volunteer for fifteen years, Don serves as the Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 355 in Newington, CT. He devoted over 200 hours to support scouts in their efforts to build character and integrity, helping to prepare them to become exceptional adults. Thanks to Don, these young men will enter adulthood with a positive role model and a clear vision of what their futures can be.

2007 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: RON STODDARD
Slot Cleaner/Porter
Buffalo, NY

Keeping kids fed, clothed and out of trouble is a big assignment in any big city, but it’s especially challenging in parts of Buffalo, New York. That’s why Ron Stoddard's volunteerism is so important. In 2006, Ron devoted over 250 hours to the T.J. Dulski Community Center in Buffalo, helping pick up groceries from the local food bank and pack Pantry Bags for families at risk of hunger.

Linda Hansen, director of youth and family services at the center, says that Ron is “highly respected by the kids and a great role model. Everything he does has a positive ripple effect in the community.”

2006 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: NICOLE ELLIS
Human Resources
Montgomery, NY

Energetic, involved, and tireless. Three words that sum up what makes Nicole Ellis so effective, both on the job, and in her community. Nicole devotes over 200 hours a year delivering food for the New Day Tabernacle Food Pantry to local families, the elderly and homebound people.

“So many people are hungry these days through no fault of their own,” said Nicole. “I wanted to do something to help them.” The C&S panel that selected Nicole as Volunteer of the Year commended her leadership, initiative and desire to “make a difference in people’s lives.” And she does make a difference for so many people --- not just because of the food she brings, but also because of her warmth and kindness.

2005 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: LISA BASSICK
Accounts Receivable
Brattleboro, VT

Lisa Bassick is passionate about the problem of child abuse, and believes  that more needs to be done to prevent it from occurring. She decided to be part of the solution by volunteering with Prevent Child Abuse Vermont (PCAV) as a facilitator for the organization’s Family Nurturing classes. After her training, she worked with families at risk, teaching them how to communicate better and grow closer to each other.

Lisa applied for a C&S Dollars for Doers grant for PCAV and was also named C&S 2005 Volunteer of the Year. In 2005,she was honored with a national “Point of Light” award given by the Points of Light Foundation to individuals who make a difference in their communities.