Greenspring volunteers honored with Presidential Service Awards

By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”—Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist.

Forty-nine members of the Greenspring community, determined to change the world, were recently honored with the distinguished President’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of their service to others last year.

Highest honors
Four years ago, President George W. Bush created the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to honor the valuable contributions of American volunteers. Soon after its inception, the council initiated the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way of thanking and honoring Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.

Administered by The Points of Light Foundation, The Presidential Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups volunteering over 100 hours during the calendar year.

To date, the President’s council has partnered with more than 71 leadership organizations and more than 14,000 certifying organizations, including Greenspring, to bestow more than 400,000 awards to the nation’s deserving volunteers.

A reason to celebrate
Recently, Greenspring held a reception to honor the 49 resident volunteers. The celebration included champagne, non-alcoholic cider, and decadent petit fours. The honorees each received a certificate and commemorative pin; thank-you letter from the White House; and a letter from Darrell Green, chairman of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

“I am very proud of our volunteers, and delighted that they have been honored with these awards,” says Elke Martin, volunteer programs coordinator.” I hope this will motivate others to join our growing family of volunteers at Greenspring.”