So proud!

I am so proud of my aunt and godmother, Janie.  She was a recipient of the St. Louis Women of Achievement award in the humanitarian category. The St. Louis Women of Achievement Award is the oldest, ongoing program in the area whose sole mission is to honor and recognize the volunteer efforts of women. Here are some excerpts from her nomination letter.

"She is one of the founding members and director of Caring and Sharing, a 24/7 emergency food pantry. They provide a one month supply of food and personal products for individuals and families who cannot get in touch with an area local food pantry due to circumstances that are typically beyond their control. No one is turned away.

Janie arranged for Caring and Sharing to provide "Blessings Backpacks" for the homeless. The backpack contains 2-3 days of food, water, personal items, and some clothing. They are supplied to many organizations,  churches, and businesses that come in contact with the homeless.

As a breast cancer survivor, Janie is very aware of how difficult living with cancer can be. Annually, Janie with Caring and Sharing, work with Pink Heels and Pink Fire truck to collect food which is distributed to women with cancer.

At the age of 52, Janie returned to school for EMT training. This training fits perfectly with her role as the Volunteer Support System Coordinator for the Lake St. Louis Fire Department.

She is  a member of the St. Patrick's Parish Board of Education.

Janie is currently in the early stages of working with the local food pantries, and the local fire and police districts to create a first responders disaster program for the area. 

Janie is a tireless volunteer for our community"

My aunt is an inspiration to me, and she makes me want to do more with my life...to serve people on a greater scale.