Chapter’s Volunteer of the Year recognized

Assistance League of Inland North County volunteer Debbie Frowine Gemmill was selected for the Volunteer of the Year 2021 by the North County Philanthropy Council.

Gemmill stepped up to take on many responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, including making face masks. She was recognized for her “calm, creative, consistent and cheerful presence” working at the nonprofit’s thrift shop as assistant manager.

Gemmill was also recognized for her help taking in store donations and leading the “She-Shed Department,” which includes crafts, candles, baskets and garden items.

Escondido City Councilmember Consuelo Martínez awarded Gemmill with a certificate and joined in the celebration with Assistance League volunteers.

Group holds event; Volunteer of the Year named

The Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito held a community meet and greet reception recently at its thrift shop in Encinitas. Proceeds from the volunteer-run store go to the community philanthropic programs that serve local children and adults.

One of the nonprofit’s popular programs is Operation School Bell, which provides new school clothing to children. Other programs include preschool English literacy, help for assault survivors, flowers for seniors and the Knifty Knitters program, where members make hats and other items that are donated to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

The thrift shop’s manager, Wendy Morris, was named the group’s Volunteer of the Year for 2020-2021. Among the many hurdles Morris overcame to support the group was the reopening of the shop. She researched state, county and city guidelines, completed forms, obtained gallons of hand sanitizer, organized the construction of plexiglass shields and was ready to open as soon as the health guidelines permitted it.

The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays at 1540 Encinitas Blvd. Visit alrsd.org.