We are grateful for our volunteers

We live and work in such a wonderful community, and sometimes we forget or even, at times, take for granted the people who give of themselves so that we all could have a better life in Valencia County.

This is the 30th year the Valencia County News-Bulletin has celebrated and honored a Citizen of the Year and various Unsung Heroes. It’s been a labor of love sharing the stories of these great volunteers — people who give from their hearts just to make a small difference.

This year, we chose Liz Marquez as our Citizen of the Year. She is one of the best examples of kindness and generosity we all should fallow. This Belenite loves her community, her church and her family. With her endless energy, she has been a blessing as the chairwoman of the Our Lady of Belen Fiestas, a constant 4-H leader and now the president of the Valencia County Fair Board.

We have also chosen a great group of folks who also have the same love for their communities. They’re volunteers who make a difference in the lives of our youth, animals, our businesses and our neighbors.

The Friends of the Belen Public Library are always trying new ways to get books into the hands of the community, including with the second-hand store, Books on Becker. Literacy is what binds us together, and with their focus, we’re living better lives.

What started as simply getting involved in her daughter’s school, Barbara Bradley-Buttram makes numerous trips to La Promesa Elementary School every week to make sure the students are enjoying the learning process, serving on committees and doing what ever she can to help.

Steve Togami is the consummate volunteer in Valencia County, and he does what he does for the children. Whether it’s serving on the Rio Communities Optimist Club board, the Community Wellness Council as well as the Valencia County Partnership for a Work Ready Community and the Japanese American Citizens League.

Amy Torres loves animals, and her passion for furry friends is what motivates her to save as many as she can. Torres created a Facebook page, 2nd Chance for Fur-Babies, Valencia County and surrounding areas.

Manny and Marcelle Trujillo have been making a difference for decades. Their faith in the Lord and in the community have continued to serve Our Lady of Belen, as a deacon for Manny, and as a member of the board of directors at the Valencia County Resource Center for Marcelle.

Last, but certainly not least is the volunteers at the Valencia County Resource Center — Patsy Johnson, Erika Novich and Steven Sanchez. Whether its sorting clothes or food, these three volunteers do what they can for the simple purpose of making people’s lives better.

We thank these volunteers for not only doing what they do for our community, but for showing us what we all can accomplish!