Rockwall County Helping Hands recently honored nine people for their outstanding contributions as volunteers for the non-profit critical assistance agency.
The Director’s Award was given to our former Chairman of the Board Bennie Daniels for his years of service and dedication to Helping Hands. Presented by Executive Director Margo Nielsen, she noted that Mr. Daniels is always on hand to lend support, provide solutions and offer a shoulder to cry on in difficult times. In 2011, he and friend John Adams coordinated the annual Helping Hands Golf Tournament. Mr. Adams received the Chairman’s Award from Mr. Daniels for his efforts that helped make the tournament a success.
The prestigious Dr. David Lensch Award, named for the agency’s volunteer physician and Health Center Medical Director, was presented to Michael Laun, DDS in recognition of his outstanding stewardship and support of the efforts of our agency’s Health Center to have a healthy community. Dr. Laun joined other local dentists in donating more than $34,000 worth of dental services in 2011 to residents in critical need.
It is obvious Dr. Laun loves volunteer work. He talks with great enthusiasm about those he serves at Helping Hands and their unique stories. “Some are having a hard time, some made wrong decisions, some could be any one of us,” he said. “They need a helping hand from us. They are all so grateful. I just hope they will pass it on and help others.
Former board member and Treasurer Al Wall, former board chair Greg Tudor and Mr. Daniels were honored with the Ethel Moss Award honoring their distinguished service and outstanding commitment to the mission and goals of our agency.
Selected for the agency’s Starfish Award for outstanding volunteer service was:
- Kathleen Nevels (Assistance & Referral): Kathleen is always willing to help wherever she is needed, said Sherry Hamm (Assistance & Referral Director). Known for her efficiency, Kathleen always gives every task her best – from addressing envelops and stocking shelves to special events such as the Christmas toy distribution.
- Sally Pines (Assistance & Referral): Sally is a faithful volunteer worker in the Food Pantry who has a heart for the work, a giving spirit and a concern for others that shows in all she does, Mrs. Hamm said. She will spend many hours organizing food that is donated and then stay late to check expiration dates on canned foods.
- Winnie Mankin (Thrift Store): A five-year volunteer, Winnie enjoys giving back to her community. Volunteering is, she said, a good habit she doesn’t want to break. Thrift Store Director Melody East said it’s obvious that Winnie really enjoys the people she works with and those she meets at the store.
- Kim Lundy (Health Center): Kim has learned every aspect of the center’s front office in a short amount of time. She single handedly controls the ImmTrac system, which is the state database for child immunizations! More than 2,500 vaccines were given in 2011, and Kim entered every name, lot number and vaccine into the database so the center stays current and compliant with the state – making it possible to keep the program.
Paying tribute to these wonderful volunteers is a way to honor their unique talents and extraordinary contributions. Our volunteer staff is an important part of Helping Hands – they make it possible for the agency to deliver essential services to clients and patients.
“Our volunteer force is so critical to the success of Helping Hands,” said Mrs. Nielsen. “We served more than 10,000 people in 2011 – and we couldn’t have done that without the individuals, schools, churches and business and civic groups that so generously give of their time and talents.”
The awards were presented at the Annual Helping Hands Board of Director’s Meeting January 23.
