Jodie Gunther is this year’s recipient of the Gary A. LaGrange Community Impact Award, presented by United Way of the Tri-Valley Area.

The organization annually seeks nominations for the award. This award recognizes a business, individual, couple or organization that goes above and beyond to significantly impact Greater Franklin County through their volunteer efforts.

Gunther’s commitment and passion for the community are evident in her mission-focused programs for youth at Old South Congregational Church in Farmington, most of which are designed to benefit the wider community, according to a news release from United Way.

For many years, and throughout the pandemic she and the youth have provided free boots, coats, winter accessories, masks and food through a variety of programs. These include the Coat and Cupboard, where coats are given away every winter; the Supper Club, which has provided hundreds of free meals, many of which are delivered to isolated seniors; and the free Pancakery Café.

She has coordinated a labyrinth made of donated food items that were then distributed to food pantries, and supplied 50 Thanksgiving baskets for the Care and Share Food Closet. Gunther initiated the annual Thrifty Santa Toy Sale. Held each year on Chester Greenwood Day pre-pandemic, the sale offered gently used toys to the community at affordable prices.

Her nomination noted, “Jodie is a community leader who seeks new paths for service to the community. She welcomes new ideas and finds ways for others to grow and flourish. She enjoys being the “behind the scenes” guidance. Her creativity and vision for service ripple out into the community she loves. Gunther is a role model for kindness, compassion, caring and a positive attitude.”

For more information about United Way, visit uwtva.org, call the office at 207-778-5048, visit facebook.com/uwtva, or stop by the office at 218 Fairbanks Road in Farmington.

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