2020 Nominees for Volunteer of the Year

Nominees Mary Chamberlain, Abbey and Chris Green

Each week we will be highlighting two nominees for Volunteer of the Year through September 2, 2020 when the winner will be announced. Thirteen nominations were received this year and the volunteer committee reviewed each nomination before choosing a winner. The committee evaluates the volunteer’s service during the past year as well as their overall commitment to the organization. The committee looks for someone who embodies the spirit of the organization while maintaining the integrity of our mission to relieve isolation and loneliness among the elderly. We look for traits including determination, selflessness, generosity, altruism, leadership, persistence, and more.

Today we are highlighting Mary Chamberlain and Abbey and Chris Green.

Mary Chamberlain 

To keep Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly running smoothly takes many volunteers, including those who work behind the scenes. One of those volunteers who has been nominated for volunteer of the year is Mary Chamberlain, who has been with us now for two years. Mary is quiet, but always cheerful and wonderfully meticulous about the details involved in data entry for the friendly visiting program. That database lets us see the big picture of how we serve the elderly, it guides the direction of resource use and planning, and provides documentary evidence of need in grant writing.  

Mary has also helped with the monthly pantry inventory for the food bags, baked treats for holidays, assisted with bulk mailings, and pitched in with preparations for the annual Christmas boxes. We’re very grateful for the more than 60 hours she has contributed this past year to the mission of Little Brothers.  

Abbey and Chris Green 

Jerry with Chris Green

Abbey and Chris Green give their love, time, compassion, and friendship to the Friendly Visiting Program, the cornerstone of the organization. Abbey expressed how they fuel the souls of our elderly friendssaying “it truly is in our blood.” Abbey and Chris were invited to visit Jerry, one of our elderly Forever Friends. While creating a meaningful friendship with Jerry they have also taken on tasks including repairing his stove and training his dog, allowing him to age in place without judgement. Abbey and Chris have brought joy and kindness to many elders they have interacted with over the past 29 years. 

In addition to visiting, they also volunteer during the holidays, either helping at a meal site, helping in the office, or delivering meals. Abbey also volunteers in the office throughout the year working on various projects including mailings and accounting. During this pandemic, they have volunteered to make reassurance phone calls to help keep our elderly friends connected to the outside world. Thank you to Abbey and Chris for your enthusiasm and generosity.