Congratulations Sue Martinelli!

Yesterday, volunteer Sue Martinelli, picked up the Ervin Kendoza Book of Golden Deeds Award from the Naperville Exchange Club, an award given to volunteers who go above and beyond to help our community.

Sue has whole-heartedly embraced this mission ofHSP, participating in multiple projects including the Christmas Giving Tree program, our Secret Pal program, our Monthly Meals program, organizing multiple food drives for HSP, and donating several large items to our seniors including TVs, microwaves, vacuums, and VCRs.

Sue has contributed so much to HSP, and has surpassed our expectations in her drive to cater to her senior Secret Pals. With the creation of our Monthly Meals program, she chose to deliver meals to her Secret Pals though they were on opposite sides of DuPage County. Once meeting one of her pals, Juanita who was in her late 80’s at the time and had no family support, Sue felt an instant bond and had a desire to help.

Sue and her family have helped Juanita repair her home, given her rides to the doctor and eye appointments, comforted Juanita in times of struggle, and of course, supplied delicious monthly meals. Sue has even helped Juanita celebrate her 92^nd birthday this past April.

Even though Juanita has since moved out of her home into an assisted living center and is no longer in our program, Sue continues to visit Juanita on a regular basis, and lookout for her well-being.

Sue is not only an exceptional volunteer, she is also a compassionate, and caring woman. In her speech, Sue said, “The joy from volunteering fills my heart and soul.”

Sue unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony because she had to work at the hospital—again caring for others. We were able to accept the award on her behalf, and yesterday she was able to pick it up at our center.

We at HSP congratulate Sue, and we are so lucky to have the pleasure of working with such an inspiring individual!