No of Years of Service:
Over the academic year, two weekend workdays
Nominee Services:
On Saturday, November 14, 2009, this group of 14 students spent the day organizing and cleaning our five donated goods storage rooms and our kitchen/food pantry. On Sunday, May 16, the students returned to conduct a spring clean up of our Peace Garden, a safe courtyard where victims of crime, and the staff who serve them, come to relax, meditate and converse in a healing environment.
Nominee Goals:
Everyone worked tirelessly all day both days with great enthusiasm and good cheer. They accomplished everything we had set aside for them, including the extra projects we didn’t think you’d be able to address. By the time they left, all of the storage rooms, including the kitchen pantry, were cleaned and all the items organized and properly stored. It was a daunting task, given the amount of donations on hand; this team approached it with a truly rare gusto.
They spurred each other on with great humor and determination throughout the day. By day’s end, not only did the students complete an enormous amount of work (including the removal and disposal of several dead trees!) they really seemed to enjoy it.
Nominee Impact:
The building where the students worked is very important to victims of crime. The storage rooms are so important to our clients. They contain donated food and clothing as well as personal hygiene and household items. Families and individuals count on us to be ready to help them in many ways. It’s so important to keep these storage rooms in good order, so we can easily access the items needed. It’s hard work, but it’s important work. And the garden is a peaceful, non-clinical healing center, where victims can find a moment of calm in the midst of a restorative justice process which is often extremely difficult.
Why the Nominee Deserves this award?
This group of young students not only attend school full time, they also have jobs and participate in student government. They donated their time and talents to help those in need on their very rare time off. They demonstrate rare leadership, initiative and good will, which deserves to be recognized and nurtured.
Video Commentary:
Nominee video commentary not available
Audio Commentary:
Nominee audio commentary not available
