United Way honors church

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

First United Methodist Church of Bunnell, which hosts a cold-weather shelter called Sheltering Tree, was recognized as the 2010 Outstanding Faith-Based Group of the Year, Friday, April 15, by the Volusia Flagler United Way.

“(The church’s) greatest impact in opening their church as a homeless shelter is creating a vehicle whereby so many who live comfortable existences in our community — some of whom deny that there is a homeless problem — come in contact with people in genuine need — and those comfortable people become educated,” said Jim Payne, master of ceremonies at the luncheon, which honored nominees from the two-county area.

“The nominees represent a truly diverse and talented group that showcase the hard work, dedication and community change that volunteers produce every day,” said Crystal Elkins, director of marketing and events.

Combined, the 46 nominees, in eight categories, performed more than 104,000 hours of service to their communities in 2010.

The Department of Juvenile Justice Community Garden Council received runner-up for the 2010 Outstanding Community Volunteer Group of the Year.

Linda Mahrn, Sam Ruiz and Woody Douge were also recognized for their work as project leaders for the 2010 Make a Difference Day Project.

Other nominees from Flagler County included three from the senior individual category: Richard Irwin, of American Red Cross; Jan Pewarski, of Florida Hospital HospiceCare, and Krista Busey, of Pathways Academy.

In the adult individual category, Donna Saponaro, of Old Kings Elementary School, was nominated.

The United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties’ Volunteer Center was established in 1977 to promote volunteerism in the Volusia and Flagler communities through the recruitment, development, placement and recognition of individuals and volunteer groups that contribute time and talents to organizations that improve residents’ quality of life.

For volunteer opportunities, visit www.liveunitedinvolusiaflagler.org.