President Honors Volunteers From Spotsylvania

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Release: ShelterBox USA

The following volunteers from Spotsylvania County have been recognized by President Obama and the humanitarian organization ShelterBox USA with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their efforts in 2014 to assist disaster survivors:

• Teresa Gleason
• Anna Gleason
• Chris Gleason
• Jack Gleason

When disasters like Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu and the Syrian refugee crisis strike, many want to help. These volunteers took action for ShelterBox, an international disaster relief organization that delivers emergency tented shelters and other lifesaving supplies to survivors of disasters and other humanitarian crises.

Through their efforts in raising awareness and funds for ShelterBox, the organization was able to respond to more than 23 disasters last year, providing families with disaster relief tents, cook stoves, water filters, blankets, mosquito nets, children’s packs and other essential equipment. In one of the more busy years in ShelterBox history, ShelterBox has sent aid to support more than 10,500 families.

“I am incredibly honored to work alongside our volunteers,” said Alan Monroe, interim executive director of ShelterBox USA. “It is through their continuous efforts that we are able to bring shelter, warmth and dignity to so many families displaced by disaster around the globe.”

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a special recognition presented on behalf of President Barack Obama. The award is part of a national recognition program created in 2003 through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation for individuals of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer activities.