Hilltop Community Resources gave the Ken Kitzman Volunteer of Excellence Award to Jane Lostumbo on April 22 during its annual volunteer-appreciation event.

Hilltop hosts the event to express gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who generously share their time and talents to make a meaningful difference in the community.

“Volunteers are an integral part of Hilltop, and our mission, creating connections to build a community where everyone belongs, is strengthened by the 108 volunteers who dedicated more than 11,000 hours to our programs last year,” Hilltop CEO Mike Stahl said.

Lostumbo began volunteering with Hilltop in 2021, initially delivering meals to residents at The Cottages. She later took on roles as a Supporting Our Seniors (SOS) driver and a ride scheduler.

“Jane is exceptional at creating connections and building relationships with fellow volunteers, clients, and staff. The time and dedication she brings to the SOS program are truly priceless,” said Sandra Acevedo, Hilltop’s community-access manager.

Supporting Our Seniors (SOS) is a transportation program that provides free rides to homebound seniors aged 60 and over. SOS volunteers schedule and drive seniors to medical appointments, pharmacies, and grocery stores, helping them maintain their independence.

Volunteering at Hilltop is about more than logging hours; it’s about building meaningful relationships. Whether it’s providing companionship to individuals with brain injuries, connecting someone with resources to leave an unsafe situation or ensuring the needs of homebound seniors are met, Hilltop volunteers uplift the entire community.

“We know there are many volunteer opportunities in the Grand Valley, and we are so grateful for those who choose to support Hilltop,” said Mary Mlot, Hilltop’s volunteer manager.