County Programs Win Two NACo Acts Of Caring Awards

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Contact: Sue Tucker, 240-777-6530

For Immediate Release: April 9, 2001

County Programs Win Two NACo
Acts of Caring Awards

Montgomery County was recently recognized with two Acts of Caring awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The Montgomery County Volunteer Center received an award in the Civic Education category, and the Master Recycler/Composter Volunteer Program was recognized in the Environment category. These two programs were among 20 selected from across the country for outstanding achievements in improving quality of life.

The Acts of Caring Awards program is part of NACo’s Counties Serve America campaign, a national initiative to address public confidence in government and to raise awareness and understanding about what county governments do and how they serve their communities. Counties nationwide nominate volunteer programs that have benefited their communities. Award categories include: Arts & Culture, Civic Education, Criminal Justice, Elderly Services, Emergency Management, Environment, Health & Human Services, Libraries, Parks & Recreation, Programs for Children & Youth, and Social Services.

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center mobilizes people and resources to deliver creative solutions in response to community problems. The Center, which has been in existence for 20 years, operates a variety of programs to benefit the nonprofit and public agencies in the county, as well as individuals and groups looking for volunteer opportunities. The County’s Volunteer Center is part of a national network of more than 400 volunteer centers around the country and is one of only a handful that is internal to local government.

The Master Recycler/Composter (MR/C) program within the County’s Division of Solid Waste Services has been in existence since 1991 when the County began its curbside pickups of blue bin materials. Program volunteers serve as peer education specialists regarding recycling and solid waste issues, and they represent the County at special events.

"Montgomery County is proud of its programs," said County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "They reflect the enthusiasm and commitment of our employees and volunteers, and I'm pleased that NACO recognizes their efforts."

“All of the programs are outstanding acts of caring, and they illustrate the fact that volunteers are essential to meeting community needs and challenges,” said Larry Naake, Executive Director of NACo. “By joining forces with county government, volunteers make a lasting impact.”

For more information about NACo’s 2001 Acts of Caring awards, or to see the other programs honored this year, visit www.naco.org.

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