Volunteers of the year

At a ceremony Wednesday, Spokane County United Way named volunteers of the year in several categories. The event was co-sponsored by Itron Inc., KXLY News and Directors of Volunteers in Agencies.

2008 volunteer of the year: Jan Foland, founder of Off Broadway Family Outreach, a Christian organization that ministers to West Central neighborhood residents.

Senior category winner: Bonnie Thiele, who has participated for eight years in Volunteer Chore Services, driving seniors to appointments, doctor visits and grocery stores.

Business category winner: Fairchild Air Force Base 92nd Air Refueling Wing, which provides the work crew for Second Harvest of the Inland Northwest’s Take a Bite Out of Hunger fundraising event.

Team category winner: Citizens for Spokane Public Schools, a trio composed of Scott Jones, Susan Legel and Barb Chamberlain, who collectively have given more than 50 years of service to passing school levies.

Young adult category winner: Gonzaga Knights and Setons, a group of 60 young people who have donated time and raised more than $54,000 to help support Holmes Elementary School.

Individual category winner: Meri Ellen Diluzio, a volunteer with Hospice of Spokane, who fills the critical 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift – often the most difficult time for Hospice clients who do not want to die alone.

Club donations benefits children’s agencies

The Exchange Club of Downtown Spokane today will donate $25,500 to three agencies that seek to prevent child abuse and neglect. The funds – proceeds from the service club’s annual Crab Feed & Auction – will be divided evenly between the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, Children’s Home Society and SCAN (Spokane Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Center).