ALBANY COUNTY – MARYELLEN USIS – THE SALVATION ARMY, ALBANY

MaryEllen has been volunteering 15 hours a week for 4 years. She is described as “a beacon of hope to those who are hurting, a bright spot in the day of so many, and simply fun to be around.” It’s clear that she has become a trusted “go-to” at the pantry, being described as a wise and knowledgeable creative partner when new initiatives are being discussed, using her professional and personal contacts to go the extra mile for pantry guests, and as a friend to all.

RENSSELAER COUNTY – SALLY LESSON – SCHAGHTICOKE FOOD PANTRY

Diligent, detail-oriented, and compassionate are just some of the words that come to mind when describing Sally. A weekly volunteer for 6 years, Sally puts in extra time in November and December to make sure the holiday boxes are perfect, and fostered a shortened process for getting the boxes done last year. Sally has stepped up to cover for an injured fellow volunteer, learning a new role on the fly, and also leans on her community connections to keep the pantry supplied, all while reminding her team that service is best done with a smile.

SARATOGA COUNTY – CARL HEINER – FAITH FOOD PANTRY

Carl leads by example and uses his experience, dedication and compassion to act as a role model and mentor to new volunteers. While in charge of the storage and refrigeration room, he has displayed his ingenuity and organizational skills, implementing a system that works in parallel to the client pantry room, allowing Faith to have a 2-week backup on hand in case of any emergencies. Carl’s passion for the clients and fellow volunteers at Faith is a testimony to their mission and exemplifies his designation as “an outstanding volunteer”.

SCHENECTADY COUNTY – LISA WEND – BREAD OF LIFE FOOD PANTRY

While relatively new compared to some volunteers, Lisa has quickly made a huge impact on the Bread of Life food pantry community. Lisa is very active and always looking for ways to help around the pantry and to improve the guest experience, including creating special seasonal experiences like holiday cookie making kits and summer ice cream treats. Lisa is even a recruiter, bringing in her brother, who is now a regular volunteer at Bread of Life.

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PARTNER

FOODSTOCK

Working together we can do more than any one of us alone. Community partnerships are the heart of our work as a coalition. They help us to serve the needs of the community and improve access to food assistance for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
The Food Pantries for the Capital District is honored to present the Outstanding Community Partner Award to Foodstock for their continued dedication through financial support from 13 fundraising concerts. Their years of partnership have enabled us to continue our services to better meet the needs of our members and the guests we serve. Thank you Bob Gamache for your service in founding and facilitating this fantastic community event!

COLLECTIVE PURCHASING NOURISH NEW YORK DREAM TEAM

Dinnie Shanley was a longtime supporter in the fight against food insecurity. She was an employee of The Food Bank serving as the Community Liaison with member pantries and later transitioned into an invaluable volunteer. Dinnie went above and beyond in her mission by supporting, encouraging, and having compassion for pantry coordinators and guests. She understood the importance and need for collaboration and partnered with Equinox starting the “Day After Program” that delivers Thanksgiving leftover meals to area shelters, soup kitchens and food pantries the day afterThanksgiving. Dinnie is greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to impact lives right here in our local community. The Food Pantries is honored to present the Dinnie Shanley Award to Sara Adams, Fred Boehrer, and Renata Gwozdz for their incredible collaborative efforts in food purchasing through their Dream Team initiatives.

LORRAINE HOUK, FOCUS FOOD PANTRY, PAST FPCD PRESIDENT

Sister Mary Coons, R.S.M. was a Sister of Mercy for 50 years. During this time, she was a teacher, a principal, and a leader throughout the Albany community where she served others selflessly. In her last ten years of service, Sr. Mary Coons went back to where it all began, Blessed Sacrament, in Albany. As Pastoral Associate for Outreach, she organized and grew the food pantry, expanded the Christmas Program for Toys for children in need, and provided love, help and support to countless community members. Sister Mary Coons passed away in 2008, but her legacy lives on. The Food Pantries for the Capital District is honored to present The Sister Mary Coons Award to Lorraine Houk for her unwavering dedication and selfless commitment to serve our community.

JAN HENNESSY

Jan has volunteered with The Food Pantries for the Capital District for over 5 years. Her willingness to jump in and and help with any role from sorting bread, to riding on trucks, to helping onboard member pantries with data entry is extraordinary. Jan’s work continues to inspire. The Food Pantries are honored to award Jan Hennessy as the Volunteer of the Year.

2023 Coffee & CommuniTea

 

presented by

Sister Mary Coons Award – Angela Warner

Outstanding Community Partner Award –  Stone Management

Dinnie Shanley Award – Janine Jurkowski

The Food Pantries Volunteer of the Year – The Canister Team

 

Pantry Volunteer of the Year Awards

Jaimn Delecruz, State St. Pantry

Regina Garhartt, Faith Food Pantry

Michelle Wooten, Redemption Church Food Pantry

Donna Golinski, Pittstown Area Food Pantry

All photos by Kerensa Rybak Photography