THE JSC ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OFTHE 2014 LONI HANSEL COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT AWARD

The Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon announced the recipients of the 2014 Loni Hansel Community Enrichment Award at the annual May Dinner Meeting held at the Crystal Garden Banquet Center.

Since 1988, the JSC has honored individuals whose time and dedication have made a difference in the lives of those in the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon communities. Originally named the Community Enrichment Award, the name was changed several years ago to honor a beloved JSC member,  Loni Hansel,  who unexpectedly passed away in 2011. Loni joined the JSC in 1970,  and for over 40 years, her devotion made a big impact in the lives of those in our community.

This year, the JSC had 10 nominees for the award, but was most impressed by the accomplishments of 2 individuals. The recipients are Gwyn Marini, founder of Project 612, and Renee Guttmann, co-chair of Project 612. Project 612 was created when the group’s founder went to her child’s school for lunch one day. It happened to be “sack attack” day. She noticed the huge amount of unopened food that was being thrown away, and she became appalled. She knew that something had to be done. Guided by the bible verse John 6:12: “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted”,  she contacted the school district office with an idea. Heridea was to gather a group of volunteers to be at the school during Sack Attack to collect the unopened items and then take those items to the Glen Ed Food Pantry. The district soon gave its approval, and Project 612 commenced. Since the first year, the program has expanded to include ten District 7 schools. This year alone, the group has delivered over 1,000 pounds of food to the food pantry. 

For more info on Project 612, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Project612. The JSC is donating $500 to the Glen Ed Food Pantry in honor of Gwen Marini, Renee Guttmann, and Project 612’s dedication to the community.

Photo: Gwyn Marini, Renee Guttmann, and Debbie Gaughan of Project 612, and Colette Gates of the JSC

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