Volunteers honored for community service

Volunteers recognized for community service

WEST CHESTER >> The Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children held a Volunteer Service Award Ceremony to honor 26 volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award on April 28. Due in large part to the more than 5,000 volunteer hours logged in 2016, Friends Association was able to provide a safe place to sleep, permanent housing and renewed hope for 96 families and 187 children.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of hours of service during a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime. Awards are given to individuals who have completed 100 or more volunteer hours. Bronze awardees volunteered at least 100 hours; and Silver awardees volunteered more than 250 hours.

Friends Association honored 26 volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Due in large part to the more than 5,000 volunteer hours logged in 2016, Friends Association was able to provide a safe place to sleep, permanent housing and renewed hope for 96 families and 187 children.

This award was established in 2003 by President George W. Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make in communities and to encourage more people to serve. Silver awards were presented to: Shelby Davey, Samantha Jacobs, Emma Koontz, Eric Miller, Sara Smith and Landmark Americana.

Bronze awards were presented to: Allstate Insurance Company, First Presbyterian Church, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Saints Simon and Jude Roman Catholic Church, Vanguard Crew Events Team, Robert Briselli, Hattie Carroll-Ratliff, Cathy Conklin, Barbara Diorio, Pat Kimmel, Carolyn Marconi, Denise Myers, Linda Phreaner, Terri Sellers, Serita Spadoni, Ashleigh Straub, Candice Swick, Carole Truskett, Louise Welge, and Fran Zappala.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6, and state Rep. Carolyn Comitta, D-156, honored the award recipients with a certificate from their offices. West Chester Mayor Jordan Norley presented Emma Koontz, Immaculata University student, with a key to the city for her service above and beyond the requirements of her internship.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Catherine Friedman, of the Friends Association, presents the Presidential Service Award to Mohammad Farooq, West Chester University student and Friars Club president.