The Coleen Hersson Award for Volunteering Excellence was established in 2016 in memory of staff member Coleen Hersson. The award is given annually to the RSVP member who inspires others with their compassion and joy, reflecting Coleen's lifelong volunteer service.
Ted Campbell, this year's winner, delivers Meals on Wheels from the Manassas Senior Center and has been a member of RSVP since 2016. A native of Houston, Ted graduated from college with a BS in Education, and served as a Military Intelligence officer in Vietnam. Following his service, Ted worked for Ford, Digital Equipment and Amtrak before retiring in 2013. He became interested in joining RSVP after seeing an ad in the newspaper. Ted delivers Meals on Wheels to as many as 12 homes in Manassas Park, and also substitutes for other Meals on Wheels volunteers if needed. During the holidays, he and his wife support Un Trim a Tree by helping to load up and deliver Senior Gift Bags to the Manassas Senior Center from the Manassas Boys and Girls Club.
Ted feels the most rewarding part of volunteering for RSVP is "…interacting with homebound seniors…and making a worthwhile contribution to help others. I also enjoy knowing I can deliver a nutritious meal to senior citizens." Sue Gilbert, manager of the Manassas Senior Center says this about Ted: "He is a faithful and reliable volunteer dedicated to delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound older adults in Prince William County. [He] always arrives with a smile…and never misses the opportunity to greet staff before [heading] out. Not only does he deliver meals every week but he's always willing to fill in as a substitute at the last moment! The Meals on Wheels recipients are certainly fortunate to have such a great volunteer!"
Not only does Ted deliver a hot, nutritious midday meal to homebound senior citizens, he also takes time to check on their welfare, which provides much needed socialization to seniors who are otherwise isolated. He clearly loves what he is doing, and it shows through his big smile and outgoing, sunny nature. The staff of Volunteer Prince William is grateful for dedicated RSVP volunteers such Ted, and we are thank him for his service to the community!
