Nominees Jackie Manchester, Barb and Phil Quenzi

Volunteer of the Year Nominees Jackie Manchester and Barb and Phil Quenzi.

Jackie Manchester

Jackie Manchester

Last year, Jackie was recognized for 5 years of volunteerism. Since then, her work has not gone unnoticed especially by her Forever Friend. Jackie has been visiting her Forever Friend for a year, and Billie Sue appreciates everything she does for her. Billie Sue says, “she is always there,” even when she has her own personal things to take care of. It brings her comfort knowing she has someone she can depend on. Jackie has done many things for her Forever Friend including making masks, going to the movies together, and bringing her tomato plants for her garden.  Jackie checks in with her Forever Friend every time she goes to the grocery store to see if she needs anything.  

Jackie also makes phone calls and writes letters during the pandemic to check on Forever Friends, and before the pandemic, she would drive for our small activities. She always stays for the party and mingles with our elders too. Jackie really shows how much she cares for our elderly friends by having conversations, asking them questions, and offering to do things with elders they may not want to do alone. 

Barb and Phil Quenzi

Barb and Phil Quenzi

One highlight of the Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Food Assistance Program, is that we have volunteers deliver the food to the elderly recipients. George is an elderly friend who receives food from our pantry. He nominated the Quenzi’s for their caring and kind attitude each month when they deliver his bag. Barb and Phil do not simply drop off the groceries, they embody the organization’s mission by making friendship the foundation of their service. They bring treats for his dog and remember George at Christmas.  

Barb and Phil have been volunteering with Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly for 19 years. They not only deliver food bags, but they also spread Christmas cheer by delivering gifts to our elderly friends. During the pandemic, they have continued to deliver the food bags knowing that the elders need assistance now more than ever. Their friendly spirit has brought warmth to many elderly people.