Emergency warming center honors volunteers

Volunteers helped Richmond’s Emergency Warming Center shelter 476 guests on 32 of this past winter’s coldest nights.

Those volunteers were honored May 15 with a celebration at LifeSpring Church’s south campus, according to a news release. Five individuals received the Game Changer Award for exceptional dedication. Those honorees are:

• Mary Kendall, who prepared and coordinated more than 60 meals served to guests.
• Benjamin Guard, who dedicated hours managing operations and was on-call as the assistant director. 
• Tim and Pam Zoda, who volunteer extensively and helped make the LifeSpring facility available. Pam also handled administrative tasks, and the Zodas have a separate ministry that provides meals and clothing to those in need weekly.
• Kim Guard, who volunteered regularly and assumed leadership roles during shifts, providing guidance and perspective on center matters and guest well-being.

In addition, director Carl Rhinehart presented certificates of appreciation and the Most Valuable Volunteer title to those five and 25 more volunteers. They are: Cliff Bailey, Diane Bailey, Darla Ball, Katherine Brown, Jody Burton, Becky Burton, Brandy Clark, Joe Corman, Alisa Corman, Debbie Dalbey, Rosie Fortner, Librada (Lisa) Garcia, Ted Gilman, Chris Huber, Megan Hustmyer, Shirley Irvin, Anitra Kraus, David Nessel, Denise Norris, Mateo Quinonez, Jeff Reynolds, Dale Thomas, Tevin Thomas, John Westover and Alison Zajdel.

Ahmet Basgelen was also recognized as the catalyst for creating the warming center ahead of a 2022 winter storm. The initial effort housed guests in the Richmond Municipal Building.

For more information about the warming center or to become involved, contact Rhinehart at 765-313-9670 or visit oakparkpentecostals.com/missions.