Schaumburg honors individuals, organizations at Volunteer of the Year Awards
From the seniors on Lela Lane to the most impoverished children across the globe, Schaumburg's own are helping to make a difference.
Some of the most dedicated people and organizations were recognized Tuesday at the village's Volunteer of the Year Awards luncheon at Chandler's Banquets.
"Schaumburg would not be Schaumburg without the volunteers in this community," Mayor Al Larson said.
Of the nearly 30 individuals and groups nominated this year, awards were given to outstanding adult volunteers Dan and Debbie Gallagher, youth volunteer Iza Gawel and volunteer organization Feed My Starving Children. Each nominee received a merit certificate, while the winners came away with plaques. The village first held the annual volunteer event in 1988.
The Gallaghers, said to be the "unsung heroes" of Lela Lane, were nominated by neighbor Lori Kandl for their unyielding generosity. Kandl said the couple is always there to support older and sick residents on the block, rearranging their schedules to provide a ride to the doctor, insisting on doing the shoveling, mowing and other chores and even taking care of pet cats despite being allergic.
"I'm totally humbled by this," Debbie Gallagher said. "I'm just in awe of all the people who have done countless hours volunteering in Schaumburg, so this really belongs to everyone here."
Iza Gawel, a Schaumburg High School senior who plans to major in elementary education and international students next year at Loyola University, received several nominations for her widespread involvement.
She volunteers at the United Parent Support for Down syndrome (UPS for DownS), St. Marcelline Parish and started Schaumburg High Against Cancer, which raised $1,200 for childhood cancer foundation St. Baldrick's. She also created a speech team show benefiting Relay For Life, and this year is serving as luminaria chair for the American Cancer Society fundraiser.
"Iza is always willing to take on new challenges, no matter how big or small," said Rene Netzer, a committee member for Relay For Life of Schaumburg Hoffman Estates. "When she volunteers to do a task, you can rest assured that it will be done correctly and on time."
Iza said she enjoys giving back to her community and decided she couldn't stand on the sidelines knowing so many people are in need.
Receiving the volunteer organization award was Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit group that provides food for malnourished children in nearly 70 countries. Last year, 33,980 volunteers came to the Schaumburg facility to help put together nearly 7.7 million nutritious meals known as MannaPacks.
"Half of our volunteers are under the age of 18, and just as we help nourish children's bellies, volunteering helps nourish our kids' spirits," said Marilyn Maurella, Feed My Starving Children's Chicago development adviser.