PRESS RELEASE
Lily Gatz Wins Good Neighbor Award
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – March 3, 2010 – Longtime Salvation Army volunteer Lily Gatz has received WCCO Radio and Popp.com’s “Good Neighbor Award.”
Gatz has been a food shelf volunteer at the Lake Street Salvation Army in Minneapolis for nearly 11 years, stocking and organizing shelves 10 hours per week.
“Today we honor one of over 3,000 volunteers working each week in food shelves to feed the hungry in Minnesota,” WCCO Radio announced on March 1. “We’d like to thank (Lily) for all that she does and for being our WCCO Good Neighbor.”
The Salvation Army operates seven food shelves in the Twin Cities metro area. Use of these food shelves has risen more than 100 percent in the last year, going from 30,000 people served in 2008 to 67,000 people in 2009.
“Lily’s service is a blessing – especially now, when everyday presents a new challenge of keeping up with demand,” said Major Darryl Leedom, commander of the Twin Cities Salvation Army. “We appreciate Lily for her years of hard work and look forward to many more.”
Staff members of the Lake Street Salvation Army agree.
“Lily is a friendly, conscientious volunteer who is willing to do whatever is needed at the food shelf,” said social worker Tracy Privratsky, who nominated Lily. “She has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help make Minnesota, and specifically South Minneapolis, a better place to live.”
The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people a year through its 25 local centers of operation. Daily it serves 2,000 hot meals and shelters 850 people. More than 14,000 local volunteers help The Salvation Army provide a multitude of services, from child daycare to senior housing. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a donation, please call 651-746-3400 or toll free at 800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave. N, Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
