(LAGRANGE) – A long time volunteer has been given a special recognition.

During their June 13 Annual Celebration, the LaGrange County Community Foundation presented Kent Andrews of Howe with the 2024 Heart Of Gold Award.

A volunteer firefighter for 40 years in Howe, Andrews has a heart for serving his community. He is a constant presence in Howe lending a helping hand to neighbors with mowing, raking leaves and snow removal.

Andrews was one of nine nominees at the event. The others are Andy Linder of Mongo; Brett Bateman of Howe; David Hostetler of Shipshewana; Jean Martin of Shipshewana; Jenny Landez of Wolcottville; Karen Reinking of Wolcottville; Lauran Hartman of LaGrange and Madison Bateman of Howe.

Former teacher, local author and speaker Brenda Lazzaro Yoder gave the keynote address. She shared how LaGrange County has something the rest of the world desires: community and relationships; helping your neighbor but expecting nothing in return; and leaving footprints on the community that will last a lifetime.

The Community Foundation also announced the recipients of its Spring Community Impact Grants Cycle. Seven organizations received grant funds totaling $74,557.

They are the Clothes & Food Basket of LaGrange County ($5,000); Community Harvest Food Bank ($1,500); LaGrange County Hope ($20,000); Northeastern Indiana CASA ($24,000); RespectTeam ($3,000); Stroh Volunteer Fire Department ($16,057); and The Salvation Army of Elkhart, LaGrange and Steuben County ($5,000).