DALLAS, TEX. (April 11) -- A local woman today received the national “Heroes In Our Midst” award for impacting the lives of hundreds of Dallas children and teens during her 31 years as a volunteer Camp Fire leader.
Dianne Long, a volunteer and board member for Camp Fire USA Lone Star Council, was given a bronze Heroes In Our Midst medallion during a luncheon at the Power of a Dream Golf Classic underway at the Stonebriar Country Club. In addition, a $1,000 check will be donated in Long’s name to the Lone Star Council to support its continued efforts to reach area children and youth.
Heroes In Our Midst is a national recognition program of the Greeting Card Association. Each month the program honors everyday community heroes who give of themselves to connect with others and show they care, and encourages Americans to send cards to the heroes in their own lives. Since its launch last year, Heroes In Our Midst has generated thousands of cards for community and personal heroes.
“It’s humbling to be considered a hero,” said Long, “because I feel that it is the children and people around me who have made me a better person. There is no greater feeling in the world than to give back to others.” She remains an active volunteer with the Camp Fire USA Lone Star Council and volunteers at her church and the Richardson Symphony.
Long first became involved with Camp Fire USA when her own children joined the organization in elementary school. She found the work so rewarding that she continued to volunteer her time as a Camp Fire leader, helping local children develop life and leadership skills. Combining her love for nature and children, Long also volunteered for 10 summers at the Central Dallas Day Camp, and was a regular at Camp Ellowi, where she taught archery.
“We are so lucky to have a volunteer as dedicated as Dianne,” says Dr. Anthony Roberts, executive director of the Camp Fire USA Lone Star Council. “She is a remarkable woman who has been serving our organization for more than three decades, making special connections with everyone who comes in contact with her.”
Long says she feels she has been given a never-ending gift through volunteering. “The children have allowed me a chance to learn so many new things, and I have gained so much by being a Camp Fire USA leader.”
During the awards ceremony, Camp Fire USA representatives presented Long with greeting cards noting how appreciative they were of her 30-plus years of service. The organization hopes people throughout Dallas and the surrounding areas would send a card to Long expressing their appreciation for the impact she is making in the community. Cards should be addressed to:
Dianne Long
Camp Fire USA Lone Star Council
411 Skillman
Dallas, Texas 75206
“Heroes In Our Midst is all about the rewards of connecting to others and building human ties,” said Juliette Bogus, spokesperson for the program. “Greeting cards are also a cherished tradition for connecting and showing that you care about others. People everywhere have a special card story of how someone impacted their life or created a shared memory through a greeting card. We hope the people of Dallas will not only send a card or note to Dianne, but to the everyday heroes in their own lives”
To learn more about Heroes In Our Midst, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.
The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.
