Warren earns kudos as top chamber volunteer
—Courtesy photo Chamber Ambassador Carol Warren, second from right, was recently honored as the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce's top volunteer for March. Pictured, from left, are Kim Queen, Sandpoint Business Improvement District manager; Jim McKiernan, Chamber Ambassador; Warren; and Clem Hackworthy, Chamber Ambassador.
SANDPOINT — Many local non-profit organizations could not deliver the services they offer without volunteers. They are the local heroes who help each organization provide a vital service in our community. One of those volunteers — Carol Warren — was honored as the Greater Sandpoint Chamber's top volunteer for March.
Warren was selected by the chamber's board for her active participation on the Ambassadors Committee and her inspirational contribution to make the community a better place to live and work.
Warren has maintained a long history of volunteering and gives her time in multiple local non-profits and, among other things, serves on the Bonner Community Food Center Board. Her volunteer work at the food bank is reaching to 30 hours per week.
“Carol's time and talents are treasured at the food bank. We cannot express in few words the gratitude that we have for Carol,” said Debbie Love, new food bank director. “We enjoy seeing her every day, whether she is picking up food at our local grocery stores, stocking shelves, separating eggs or greeting clients.”
Warren served on Sandpoint Rotary's Board of Directors in the past and still is an active Sandpoint Rotarian as Club Assistant Secretary, Club Weekly Newsletter Editor, and Club Youth Exchange Counselor. She also volunteers at many Rotarian charitable service projects. During the CHAFE 150 and the six-continuous-day WaCanId bike races, Warren volunteers as a SAG (Support and Gear) member to carry water, snacks and bicycle repair equipment to ensure the cyclists have all they need to complete the ride. She has been a host mother to over 17 foreign exchange students from all over the world through the Rotary Youth Exchange.
To add to an already extensive schedule of volunteering, she has devoted countless hours in her role as a Chamber Ambassador Committee since 2005. In addition, Warren is a water station sponsor, giving not only her time but her personal supplies and monetary donation to the Scenic Half Marathon each and every year.
“Carol Warren is a dream volunteer. If I could clone her, I would,” said Chamber President and CEO Kate McAlister. “At any Chamber event, Carol is the first to arrive and one of the last to leave.”
As a retired special education teacher, Warren also previously volunteered as a tutor at Kootenai Elementary School. She has been a compassionate and resolute force in all of her efforts. She has generously contributed countless volunteer hours to help others. Her dedication and love for the community is apparent, McAlister said.
In honor of her time and loyalty, the chamber will make a donation in her name to the Bonner Community Food Center.