Sikh Religious Society Honored with Lifetime Service Award

PALATINE, IL – The Sikh Religious Society in Palatine was honored for its service and generosity to others on Sunday. The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division gave the society its Lifetime Achievement Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding service to the Army’s institutions, programs, and services.

The Sikh Religious Society has volunteered with The Salvation Army since 1992. Members of the Palatine Gurdwara have donated thousands of dollars and truckloads of food in that time. The society’s service began at The Salvation Army’s Tom Seay Corps and Service Center in Uptown. Most recently, members have served meals, cleaned, and visited with the homeless at The Salvation Army Freedom Center in West Humboldt Park.

Freedom Center Director, Major Nancy Powers, nominated the Sikh Religious Society for the award. She said she’s touched by the Sikhs’ desire to serve and love for people.

“The Sikhs serve our guests with dignity and respect,” Powers said. “They make them feel loved and welcome. They take care of every need with a smile. I love the way they play with children and sit down with a lonely man by himself on Christmas.”

The Sikh Religious Society serves with The Salvation Army monthly. The society sends 30-40 volunteers to help during the holidays. They regularly bring a donation from members of their Gurdwara. The Sikh Religious Society stepped in to provide emergency assistance during the Polar Vortex, sending in volunteers, donating food, and donating nearly $3,000.

“Their leadership that comes – they’re the most important people in their community and yet they take jobs like emptying the trash, cleaning the tables,” Powers said. They never want the best position. They’ll take whatever we give them. They are humble and helpful. They don’t leave until we are totally cleaned up.”

Professor Kulwant Singh said the Sikhs get their drive from holy scripture.

“Sikhs believe in one god for all, and we all are the children of the same one god,” Singh said. “Visiting Salvation Army centers and helping our needy brothers and sisters comes natural to us.”

The award comes as the Sikh Religious Society is celebrating 550 years since the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of their faith. Sarwan Singh, a member of the society, said he hopes to send a message to others.

“We hope the award encourages Sikhs living in other cities to do the same thing,” Singh said. “They can help The Salvation Army in other cities and set an example.”