Bobbi Hoyt
Awarded for Outstanding Volunteering
LSS Crisis Nursery Volunteer
Given First-Ever Heritage Quilt Award
Roberta (Bobbi) Hoyt of Duluth
was presented the Heritage Quilt Award for Outstanding volunteer at the
September meeting of the LSS Board of Directors. Beth Lewis, Director of
Volunteer Services, presented the award along the Lynn Shubitz, Program
Manager of the LSS Bethany Crisis Nursery in Duluth.
This newly created award for
volunteering was designed to lift up the role of volunteers throughout
LSS, and to single out one volunteer who represents the work of all LSS
volunteers.
Lynn Shubitz, program manager,
explained how Bobbi has been a part of the program since its beginning in
1994. "I contacted her in 1994 as I prepared the program to open for
services, and she's been with us since then, always offering to do
whatever was necessary," Lynn recalled.
Bobbi's initial connection led
to her role as a member of the advisory council, a position held through
1999. She also serves on the annual auction, a major fundraiser since
2000. Her efforts have included providing from her own resources large
amounts of school supplies for parents, Christmas gift items, diapers,
grocery story coupons all on an ongoing basis. "As we part or end
conversations, Bobbi routinely says to call her if there is any need for a
family," said Lynn.
Lynn said that Bobbi believes
in giving back to others, that she has been blessed in life and has a
responsibility to others. Her presence, dedication and unselfish giving
over many years have uncommonly affected Bethany Crisis Nursery.
"Volunteerism and generosity are alive and well through her," Lynn
explained.
Bobbi teaches young people at
the Secondary Technical Center (STC) in the ChildCare Career program. Part
of her teaching curriculum is to encourage community service. This has
permeated the school, both with teachers and students. The parents of the
preschool students are aware of the Crisis Nursery services for their
potential use and also to donate used clothing their children have
outgrown.
In effect, what sets Bobbi
apart is her passion for children and her belief that she can do something
to help others.
The Heritage Quilt given to
Bobbi was made by LSS staff and donated to the LSS Camp Knutson auction
where it was purchased and donated to create the Heritage Quilt Award.
