US President’s Volunteer Service Award
Summit resident Leon Sarkissian, a Newark Academy rising Junior, recently was presented the US President’s Volunteer Service Award by Pete Dobbs of St. John’s Soup Kitchen (SJSK) in Newark, New Jersey.
Leon, qualified for the 2023 GOLD President’s Volunteer Service Award after working over 120 hours at SJSK this summer. He worked with Pete and his team where he was able to broaden his impact further by implementing an inventory system for food, clothing, and toiletries, improving computer systems and social media as well as helping with prep, cooking, and serving. However, it was that one-on-one interaction which was one of the most rewarding parts of the day. “Leon’s ability to work fast on his feet and in fluent Spanish was a tremendous asset to SJSK. He was able to make a significant impact to the daily visits of our regular patrons who came to appreciate him for his genuine kindness and willingness to listen and help them,” says Pete Dobbs.
This summer experience enabled Leon to see first-hand SJSK operations and the difficulties it encounters along with some success along the way. Leon reflected “Through a mélange of language and food, we can not only help fight hunger but improve mental health as well. These common threads bring us all together and I hope, in a small way, I was able to make a difference.”
Prior to this summer, Leon and Newark Academy students already supported SJSK through the 1774 Sandwich Initiative which was created by Leon. To date, they have assembled and delivered over 9,000 sandwiches. Stay tuned as the new goal is to reach 17,740 sandwiches by 2025! For more information visit: 1774sandwichinitiative.com
In 2003, the United State’s President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our great nation. It is led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light.
Courtesy photo
