Not all heroes wear capes, but all heroes care about their community. Sixteen true heroes were honored for their community service at the Ninth Annual Heroes of Human Service Awards Recognition on October 6.
One such honoree was Albertine “Grandma Tina” Johnson, who has been a bright face in the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento since 2007. As a part of the Foster Grandparent Program, she has dedicated more than 10,000 volunteer hours to spending time with children coloring books, working on puzzles, reading stories, and listening to their needs.
Another honoree was Maxine Krugman, who has worked in the elderly community’s interest for more than a decade. She served as president of the Parkinson’s Association of Northern California for 6 years and as Chairwoman for the Adult and Aging Commission (AAC) – a commission dedicated to informing the Board and the public on older adults’ needs. Her work with the AAC included creating Safe House, a short-term emergency shelter and critical services provider for abused and neglected elders to go when removed from a dangerous situation.
The honorees list also boasted Teresa Yokoi-Fong and Frank Fong who are a wife and husband volunteering team for ACC Senior Services. Teresa Yokoi-Fong began volunteering for ACC Senior Services in 1987 and has continued to assist with Care Center events, teaching English as a Second Language, and the Annual Craft and Bake Sale for the past 28 years. Frank Fong began volunteering in 2000 and after providing transportation services he found his calling teaching Ballroom Dance to seniors at the Center.
At 92 years old, David Huleva shows that age makes no difference when it comes to making a difference. For the past 30 years, Huleva has ridden his bike to the Meals on Wheels All Season Café in Elk Grove, where he serves lunch 5 days a week.
To learn about how you can be a hero in your own community in a way that fits you, visit volunteermatch.org.
Writer: Gospel Cruz, Communication and Media Intern