TICONDEROGA, NY, Sept. 23 – The Empire State Division recently honored Crown Point resident Glen Buell as one of three Service Unit Volunteers of the Year for the 48-county Upstate New York area.

“Glen has been one of The Salvation Army’s most trusted and devoted volunteers for many years,” noted Rick Damore, The Salvation Army’s field representative for Essex  County. “His work in the north country and the Ticonderoga Service Unit has given The Salvation Army a person that people can turn to for assistance and understanding.”

Buell began with The Salvation Army in 2000 when he saw an article in the paper asking for bell ringers.

That first year, Buell rang alone. But, as the years progressed, he was able to get more volunteers to ring and last year, had over 75 volunteer bell ringers. “It’s mind boggling how they help,” said Buell. “It gives me hope for the future.”

Buell had been working with one other volunteer in the community, but she retired last year. They have assisted families in crisis, providing food, clothing, utilities, rent. They would like to send kids to camp during the summer months which is a service provided by the Salvation Army.

“I could use more help,” says Buell, a career Electronics Technician working with Goodrich Corporation in Vergennes, Vt. “Just call me to become active on the committee. I can be reached at 518-597-3222."

Buell recently accepted the Trish McVeigh Volunteer of the Year Award. The award is named after a 2007 Volunteer of the Year who died in an automobile accident this year.

Other recipients of the 2008 award are: Sharon Jaindl from Afton, NY and Randolph Service Unit of Cattaraugus County.

A service unit is a Salvation Army volunteer committee that serves the smaller communities in the 48 Upstate New York counties.