- Details
- Category: Past Issues
Honors
Left to right: Rev. David Baird, Shawn Johnston, president of the IHSP Daily Bread Board of Directors; Kathi Peterson, secretary and Community Resource coordinator; and David Dunham, treasurer. Courtesy photo.
Volunteers
recognized
PUTNAM --- Dozens of Quiet Corner volunteers took some time off recently, spending the evening at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Putnam in order to celebrate community service, hard work, dedication and each other.
Volunteer Recognition Night, Interfaith Human Services of Putnam (IHSP)-Daily Bread’s now annual event, welcomed all of those who serve on the different branches of the IHSP tree – helping those in need with the Daily Bread food bank, a new diaper bank, Emergency Fuel and Housing (Rental) Assistance, and other services – to join each other and partake of a meal created almost completely from items typically distributed by the food pantry.
Shawn Johnston, president, Board of Directors, took a moment to thank the tireless group for “the grace that you give, and your time and your talent,” before three of IHSP’s most dedicated were honored for their years of service.
Recognized were Reverend David Baird of Thompson, Bill Smolen of Woodstock and Gloria Gelt of Eastford. Baird, former board president, was hailed as a “guiding force of IHSP” and he has been named as the volunteer responsible for helping IHSP gain non-profit status. Johnston spoke highly of Baird, “There is a reason that this organization has been so successful,” he said, “and I think that’s David’s [Baird’s] spirit.” Baird thanked his fellow humanitarians, proud of the work IHSP-Daily Bread volunteers do in support of their neighbors. “I am so proud of organizations like this,” he said, “Without you people would be starving to death.”
Smolen, acknowledged for his many years of faithful service, was unable to attend the event but his daughter, Karen, was on hand to accept appreciation from the board. Gelt was also not in attendance but also served IHSP in multiple capacities for many years. The honorees were presented with a handmade bowl marked with ‘Daily Bread’ and received hearty thanks from all of those present.
If you need help, no matter the season, Interfaith Human Services of Putnam offers many programs and services including the Daily Bread food pantry, the Clothing Closet, Emergency Fuel and Housing (Rental) Assistance, a diaper bank, summer food programs and more.
Monetary donations, disposable diapers, gently used clothing, and nonperishable food items are always greatly appreciated if you are in a position to give rather than receive. IHSP has several “drop” locations throughout the community or donations can be sent to: P.O. Box 281, Putnam, CT 06260. Located at Daily Bread, inside the basement of the United Methodist Church, 51 Grove Street, Putnam, IHSP is open Monday and Friday, 12:30pm-1:30pm and Wednesday, 6:00pm-7:00pm. Please call (860)-963-0169 for assistance. Visit www.nectinterfaith.org for more information.