PGA hosts Quality of Life Awards Banquet

The Positive Growth Alliance held its 2013 Quality of Life awards banquet June 14 at the Millsboro Civic Center. The PGA gave out two awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Community Service Award.

Dr. Harriet Smith Windsor received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Smith Windsor was a teacher at Seaford High School, dean of instruction/chair of English Department at Delaware Technical Community College, director of state personnel, in Gov. Ruth Ann Minner's Cabinet and served as Delaware Secretary of Sate from 2001-09. Prior to receiving the award, letters from U.S. Sen. Chris Coons and Lt. Gov. Matt Denn to Smith Windsor were read. Smith Windsor said about her retirement, “I didn’t retire from something, I retired to something.”

The Community Service Award was presented to the Christian Storehouse. The Christian Storehouse is a nonprofit outreach and resource center. They provide many services for those who find themselves in need of such things as food, clothing, furniture and, at times, funds for things such as utilities, housing, prescriptions and medical bills. The Christian Storehouse is supported by local churches and is funded through sales from its thrift store as well as private donations.

Aside from a small administrative staff, the Storehouse relies solely on a team of volunteers to run day-to-day operations. Without these volunteers the Storehouse could not do what it does for all those in need. They also rely on donations of gently used furniture, clothing and housewares to supply the thrift store.

In the 21 years they have been operating, the need for services has never been greater than it is today. While constantly striving to be good stewards of all gifts, they also do their best to get every cent of every dollar back into the community. Community Storehouse store manager Linda Draper said "I have worked at many good jobs in my life, but this is much better.”