A Buffalo resident was recognized by Catholic Charities USA as its Volunteer of the Year Tuesday morning.
Estelle Anderson, 95, was nominated by Catholic Charities of Buffalo after volunteering for the Layette Program at Ladies of Charity for more than 20 years.
Anderson sews for the Layette Program, which donates new clothes, blankets and crib linens to babies in need. She has also hosted "baby showers" to get items for the program and sews reusable tote bags for seniors and patrons of Catholic Charities' food pantries who are unable to leave their homes.
Catholic Charities estimates Anderson has touched the lives of 10,000 people in Western New York through her volunteer efforts.
"Estelle's selection as the Catholic Charities USA Volunteer of the Year is a special moment for Catholic Charities of Buffalo, as this is the first time a volunteer of ours has received this prestigious award," said Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF< diocesan director of Catholic Charities. "We are so honored and proud to be able to call Estelle our volunteer. Through her charitable and steadfast efforts at the Layette Program, she has impacted the lives of thousands of families in Western Ne York, giving in-need mothers and babies new clothing, blankets and crib linens. She is both an inspiration and an extension of Christ's love for others."
Anderson was among five finalists for the national award. Catholic Charities says it gives the award "to an individual who embodies the mission of CCUSA, provides critical services to those in need, advocates for justice in social structures and calls the entire Church and other people of good will to do the same."
The award will be officially presented to Anderson at Catholic Charities' annual conference, which will be held in Houston from September 27-30.
