Briefs: Toys for Tots, T-burg Rotary awards

Toys for Tots provides warm winter welcome

This holiday season marks the 75th year of Toys for Tots in this nation. On Nov. 9, the day before the United States Marine Corps’ 247th birthday, community leaders came together to welcome the Marine Corps Toys for Tots to Tompkins County. Together, leaders stood in camaraderie (shown above).

Leaders from Ithaca Police Department, His Tabernacle Family Church, Tompkins County Department of Social Services, the Salvation Army, Cornell Undergraduate Veterans Association and American Veterans came together in the Dewitt Park’s Historic District to celebrate and honor those who serve and those who have served. Every prayer, gesture and effort that has been made to help a fellow in need deserves to be honored and is greatly valued.

The needs of the community have shifted to a larger demographic. Even families that have over two incomes can still be eligible for assistance.

Toys for Tots honored Pastor Chad Spencer of His Tabernacle Family Church for providing the county with yearround services, outreach opportunities and classes that are free to the public at 609 W. Clinton St., Ithaca.

The Salvation Army honored captains Shaun and Stacy McNeil for providing humanitarian services and continues to expand this year’s Angel Trees. The Salvation Army is located at 150 N. Albany St., Ithaca.

President of Cops, Kids and Toys Bill Apgar was honored for over 25 years of service with Cops, Kids and Toys. The Cops, Kids and Toys Program headquarters is located at the Shops at Ithaca Mall.

Cornell University police officer Jodi Condzella stood alongside Mary Orsaio from the Ithaca Police Department. Together, they honored Ithaca and state police who continue to provide support throughout the community.

If you are in need, contact any of these agencies and representatives or call 2-1-1 for guidance.

Each organization gave a heart-felt thank-you to all the sponsors, donors and volunteers that continue to make a difference in the community.

For those hoping to do more, local businesses and organizations can host a box or an angel tree, or individuals can volunteer their time by serving.

 

T-burg Rotary announces Service Above Self awards

Trumansburg Rotary recently announced the recipients of September’s and October’s Service Above Self Awards: Eleanor Asbrand (left) and Greta Garrison, respectively, both seniors at the Trumansburg Central School District’s Charles O. Dickerson High School.

Molly Flerlage, Asbrand’s former supervisor at Full Plate Farm Collective, commented, “Eleanor has been wonderful, always quick to complete a task, never afraid to ask a question, always taking initiative to find the next useful task, always with a smile. … She provided great service to our user community.”

Flerlage was also Garrison’s supervisor at Full Plate Farm Collective and spoke to Garrison’s dedication.

“[Greta] has been working fundraisers for Healthy Food for All — a local food access nonprofit partner — for years, from set-up to musical performances, to serving and everything in between,” Flerlage said. “She works three jobs through the summer and much of the school year, jumps in to volunteer whenever an opportunity arises and often rallies friends to join in as well. … She is incredibly driven and giving of her time and talents for the benefit of our community.”

Rotary’s Service Above Self Award was instituted to recognize students in the Trumansburg Central School District, including those who are home schooled, who exemplify Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, and who live Rotary’s 4-Way Test in their everyday lives: Of the things we think and do, is it the Truth; Is it Fair to All Concerned; Will it Build Goodwill and Better Friendships; and Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?

Each monthly winner receives a $50 gift certificate to the Trumansburg business of their choice. At the end of the school year, a student is selected from the group to receive a $1,000 award. The 2021-2022 thousand-dollar awardee was Finley Redmond.

Nominations for the November award are due Nov. 30. Anyone in the community who knows a prospective nominee is encouraged to send in a nomination. Program guidelines and a nomination form are available under “Service Above Self Award” on the Trumansburg Rotary website, tburgrotary.org.