Thanks for award

To the editor:

Just a small note of appreciation for all the wonderful regards on me being selected as this year’s recipient of the coveted Pioneer Award!

I am in awe of the past recipients and honored to be among them. I grew up volunteering! My mom was a single mother of four girls, and when she was volunteering, so were we. She had a passion for helping others. I think it gave me a sense of giving without expecting anything in return; this is one of the things I love about the people here in the Valley.

I married an awesome man who believes in volunteering! He couldn’t wait to turn 18 so that he could join the volunteer fire department in his hometown. He did that for 13 years until he moved away (to find me in Alaska).

I am able to do what I do because of my family, friends and volunteers who are standing right beside me volunteering, too. Thank you so much!

Denise Christopher

Palmer