What they thought was just a regular meeting for members of the J.U.M.P. program in Johnstown, turned into a surprise ceremony for three volunteers.
Walter Freidhoff, Dave Shoemaker and Malcolm Snyder received the 14th Volunteer Spotlight Award Friday morning, handed out by LIFT Johnstown.
“Wow, it was a total surprise and it feels good to be recognized,” said Walter Freidhoff, a Spotlight Award recipient.
LIFT Johnstown is an organization that promotes tourism and encourages people to volunteer in the community. They give the Spotlight Award to nominated members of the community who go above and beyond to help others.
“These guys really make a difference in the lives of a lot of individuals. It’s a remarkable thing they’re able to do. It’s sincerely appreciated by our community,” said Brad Clemenson, the coordinator for LIFT Johnstown.
The three men volunteer through the Johnstown United Methodist Parish, helping renovate homes for elderly, special needs and low-income families. They build wheelchair ramps, install hand railings and make other repairs– all at zero or minimal cost to the people they serve.
The volunteers said they’re hoping to get even more people involved in the J.U.M.P. program.
“Right now we’re looking for some younger blood to actually do the work. We’re willing to stay on and organize and oversee the projects, but we have medical issues that prevent us from being out there everyday doing this type of work,” said Dave Shoemaker, another Spotlight Award recipient.
The volunteers honored today said they’re grateful for the award, but that’s not what motivates them.
“The work we do isn’t for recognition. It’s for the personal satisfaction of helping people who need help,” said Malcolm Snyder, a Spotlight Award recipient.
“You’d be surprised the number of people, our clients, who emotionally can’t control themselves at the end of the job. They’re crying. It just makes you feel good and so that’s what keeps us going,” Freidhoff said.
