JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – President George W. Bush is visiting Jacksonville today – and among the items on his agenda is the special recognition of an outstanding volunteer.

Cleveland, left, talks with volunteers at OBI's annual NFL team event food giveaway with the Jacksonville Jaguars last November.

Holly Cleveland, director of community affairs at Wachovia Bank, will be presented with the President's Volunteer Service Award, recognizing her for outstanding volunteer service and inspiring others to do the same.

"I was astounded," Cleveland told a local Jacksonville news station. "I am honored and I am very humbled."

In addition to mobilizing more than 3,000 Wachovia employees each year, Cleveland also volunteers as a tutor, classroom reader and helps organize local volunteers for Operation Blessing’s annual Thanksgiving food giveaway with NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In 2006, Cleveland’s own team of Wachovia volunteers joined hands with OBI and others to help distribute more than 71,000 pounds of food and groceries impacting some 10,000 members of the community. OBI has worked with the Jaguars and Cleveland since 1999, and this November will be mark their tenth year of partnership.

 

"Holly Cleveland is an exceptional person whose commitment to excellence is unparalleled," said Pam Erickson, OBI's vice president of procurement and corporate relations. "In her nine years working with Operation Blessing, Holly has consistently demonstrated her ability to organize, equip and oversee hundreds of Wachovia Bank volunteers in their efforts to sort, bag, and distribute free groceries to families in need during the Thanksgiving holidays."

Volunteers at the Jacksonville event last year prepare bags of food and groceries for distribution.

But Cleveland didn’t just stop at hunger relief. She also learned to crochet, making 181 hats last year for orphans and vulnerable children helped by Operation Blessing. This year, she said her goal is to make more than 200 hats.

"If we really thought about the impact we could have collectively -- one hour -- what a major impact we could have in serving those in need in our community," Cleveland said in an interview with a local news station.

According to the White House, President Bush has met with more than 600 volunteers since 2002 and recognizes a local volunteer whenever he travels throughout the country.

"We could not be more pleased that she is receiving this honor," Erickson added.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Take part in bringing relief to those in need! By making an online donation today, you can help provide food, water, medicine and more to those facing poverty, disaster and sickness here in the U.S. and around the world.

 

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