Volunteer Spotlight: Marianne Thomas Awarded HOW’s 2020 Volunteer of the Year
During our 1st Annual HOWIES Celebration, the HOW community honored Marianne Thomas as our 2020 Volunteer of the Year. During a year in which we all faced the challenges of a global pandemic, Marianne continued to show up for the HOW community in so many different ways, and for that we cannot thank her enough. Marianne drove clients to essential medical appointments, frequently going beyond just the ride to spend quality social time with clients. Marianne took the initiative to connect with HOW members in deeply meaningful ways. She delivered care packages and drove back and forth so that two partners, who had not been apart in years, could see each other while one was in the hospital. Marianne also served as a companion to a client during the end of their life, providing much-needed comfort and compassion. One HOW member remarked, “Marianne gives me sunshine every time I see her.” In a time when we could all use a little more sunshine, we are grateful for Marianne.