2024 Celebration of Philanthropy Program Book - Book - Page 18
BOOTS ON THE GROUND AWARD
Boots on the Ground Award
Carolyn
Gibbs
Nominated by Hope For ALL
Carolyn Gibbs is no stranger to being hidden under a mountain
of clothes to fold. She’s been a steady fixture at HOPE For All
for 12 years, volunteering at least three days a week, perfecting
each item of clothing that goes out the door. Carolyn, who
logs more than 500 hours a year at the nonprofit, is the “go-to
person” for volunteers and a self-appointed ambassador to her
apartment complex where she regularly encourages neighbors
to donate goods to HOPE For All. Oh, did we mention that she is
86 years old?
HOPE For All provides clothing, furniture, and household
items to families emerging from homelessness, and clothing
to school children and people in crisis. As a volunteer, Carolyn
meticulously folds and organizes hundreds of pieces of clothing
daily so that clients receive them in perfect condition. Last
year, HOPE For All clothed more than 1,800 people, distributing
nearly 40,000 items of non-packaged clothing to them. Each
piece received its final processing through Carolyn’s hands.
Kathy Breach, a HOPE For All volunteer who has known Carolyn
for 10 years, is energized by her teammate. “When Carolyn
walks in, she just lights up the HOPE For All warehouse with her
smile and twinkle,” she said. “People gravitate to her.”
Another HOPE For All volunteer, Linda Swenson, is also in
awe of Carolyn’s dedication and the time and effort she takes
preparing and folding the linens. “When she puts things
together, it is the perfect package,” said Linda. “She is like that
wherever she goes.”
18 | COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
