Our own crème de la crème.

Linda Cowger-Russell, a board member and dedicated volunteer, was named the United Way’s Volunteer of the Year for 2010.

Since 2001 Linda has dedicated her Wednesday evenings to cook a nutritious meal for youth at the Buchanan Transitional Living Center, a homeless living facility for youth ages 16-21.

Providing over 100 hours of service in 2010, Linda remains a constant support and role model for the many youth she comes in contact with. Not only does Linda provide a meal to each and every one of these youth, she also provides a listening ear and a caring heart.

Most of the youth living in our center do not know the basics of cooking, allowing Linda to teach them how to make delicious, healthy and cost effective meals. The youth at Buchanan look forward to Linda coming each week. “Linda is very nice, incredibly generous and a great cook,” one youth said, “But even more than that, she cares about us.”

Many youth transition through the program, making this volunteer role difficult for some. Linda has always greeted the new youth with open arms and is able to easily pick up the conversation and make all youth feel accepted. Iowa Homeless Youth Centers could not be happier to have Linda as a volunteer and feel she is a very deserving Volunteer of the Year.

To learn how you can become a volunteer with Iowa Homeless Youth Centers, please contact Toni Nicol at 515-265-1222.