Rotarians honored for service
Zelienople area volunteers and Rotarians Tom and Marie Grant have been recognized by the U.S. Presidential Administration and humanitarian organization ShelterBox USA with the President's Volunteer Service Award.
The award honors the Grants for their efforts in 2019 to provide emergency shelter and supplies to people who lost their homes to natural disaster or fled them because of civil conflict.
Since 2000, ShelterBox has provided shelter, warmth and hope following more than 300 disasters in over 100 countries.
Core aid items include a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, a water filtration system, emergency lighting and other tools for survival.
With help from the Grants' efforts of raising awareness and funds for ShelterBox, the organization provided shelter and life-saving supplies to more than 145,000 people in 11 countries in 2019.
This includes Paraguay after severe flooding; Malawi after Cyclone Idai; Syria to support families affected by conflict; and many others.
“The lifesaving work of ShelterBox is only possible because of our inspiring volunteers like Tom and Marie,” said Kerri Murray, president of ShelterBox USA. “This distinction truly sets them apart as someone committed to serving others and making the world a better place.”
ShelterBox provides humanitarian aid in the form of family-sized tents and essential tools.
The organization's kits and boxes contain items that help transform shelter into a home, like cooking sets, solar lights, blankets, water filtration and mosquito nets.
The award is a special recognition presented on behalf of President Donald Trump.
The award is part of a national recognition program created in 2003 through the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, for individuals of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer activities.
