Volunteers Receive National Recognition

Jul 23

Twelve Friendship House volunteers are receiving national recognition for their service during last year. Despite the challenges with the Covid-19 pandemic, the entire team of volunteers continued to serve week after week to make it possible for Friendship House to continue to support the community through provision of food and programs.

guattery award.jpg — The Award

In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the **President’s Volunteer Service Award** to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too. The award has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.

pin in box.jpg — President’s Volunteer Service Award

Friendship House in Middlesex became a certifying organization for the national program, recorded and submitted the volunteer hours for each individual. Based upon these hours, 2 Gold awards, 4 Silver awards and 6 bronze awards were conferred. Each recipient receives a certificate, a pin and a letter of recognition from President Biden.
Going forward, this recognition will be awarded in the spring of each year for the preceding year. We are pleased that as of June 2021, there are even more dedicated Friendship House Volunteers eligible for this recognition.

President Biden’s letter of recognition highlights the great value of volunteers and reads in part:

“Throughout our country’s history, the American story has been strengthened by those who combine an optimism about what can be with the resilience to turn that vision into reality. I know I'm not alone in recognizing that those who are willing to step up and volunteer in service of community and country are essential to the ongoing work of forming our more perfect union.

By sharing your time and passion, you are helping discover and deliver solutions to the challenges we face - solutions that we need now more than ever. We are living in a moment that calls for hope and light and love. Hope for our futures, light to see our way forward, and love for one another. Through your service, you are providing all three.”

““We are so proud of each and every one of our volunteers who, despite the challenges of the pandemic, stepped up to continue to serve the community. We are especially proud that over half our volunteers qualified to be awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award for 2020””

— Ron Milton, Friendship House Board Member