Meet Our Volunteer Service Awards Honorees

      

Kirk and Kim Sorensen
Benson Service Extension Unit
15 Years

Benson, AZ Service Extension Unit is a thriving, productive and valuable asset to Benson, AZ. Part of those assets are due to the dedicated efforts of the Kettle Coordinator and his wife, volunteers Pastor Kirk and Kim Sorensen.

For over 15 years, this couple has worked as a team; Kim Sorensen scheduling and organizing the volunteer bellringers and Pastor Kirk delivering equipment, gathering, counting and reporting kettle donations.

Their efforts keep Benson well-able to assist with utilities and rent and provide food to school children who face food crises when not in school!

A special thank you to these hard-working, dedicated volunteers!

 

---

 

 

Andrew Brearley
Sedona, AZ Service Extension Unit
30 Years

 

Andrew began in 1992 as a bellringer in Sedona.

Over time, Andrew inherited the Chairmanship because of his experience and longevity. While under Andrew’s leadership, Sedona created a website that was used for information and volunteer kettle worker sign ups. Andrew gathered that information and worked to coordinate and report funds raised in Sedona.

Andrew also spearheaded the realtor’s, Real Estate Wednesday, bellringing efforts in Sedona during each holiday season.

He built a solid volunteer committee in Sedona that worked as a team to offer residents utility and rental assistance, as well as, other types of extraordinary assistance.

Though Andrew’s professional and personal lives were at capacity, he has never wavered in his loyalty to Sedona and has persevered past very rough patches in the work.

It is estimated that close to 4000 families have been helped due to Andrew’s tenacity and dedication.

We are grateful to Andrew and celebrate and honor his efforts in Sedona.

 

 

---

 

 

DOING THE MOST GOOD AWARD
Dottie Kreps

On Friday, May 27, 2022 in Benson, AZ., Dottie Kreps became the first recipient of the Southwest Division Service Extension Department’s,  “DOING THE MOST GOOD” Award.  The Southwest Division’s Divisional Commander, Colonel Ivan Wild, presented Dottie with the award.  Among the 40 gathered guests at the Benson Community Center that morning were community supporters, fellow volunteers, family, and friends.

This annual Award is presented to a Volunteer who has given exemplary service to a community through The Salvation Army’s Service Extension Program.  The nominees for this Award are among the most incredible, hardworking, and compassionate.  

Dottie Kreps stands out because of her remarkable compassion and commitment to the people of Benson. Her 25 years of caring for the people of Benson sets her apart as one who deserves to be the standard bearer for all those who will receive it in the years that are yet to come.

Dottie’s work has led to an amazing array of services that have impacted the lives of residents of Benson in important ways.

In presenting this Award to Dottie Kreps, we recognize that she represents thousands of caring volunteers who serve with love and compassionate care, those who come to The Salvation Army.
 

 

---

 

Volunteer Service Award Honoree
Phil Yabes

Phil Yabes, Director of the City of Buckeye, Arizona Senior Center, has volunteered with The Salvation Army for more than 11 years as Chairman of the Buckeye Service Extension Unit.

Phil has garnered a team of volunteers that work to raise local funds and assist eligible residents with utility and water payments.

Colonel Olin Hogan, Southwest Divisional Service Extension Director, honored Phil with an award presentation at the City of Buckeye Council Meeting on Tuesday evening, May 17, 2022. Colonel Hogan offered words of appreciation, honoring Phil for his compassion and dedication to the City of Buckeye.

Congratulations and thanks to Phil Yabes and his team in Buckeye, Arizona!