Linda Schreiber of Iowa City received a Governor’s Volunteer Award from Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad for long-term volunteer gardening efforts in Iowa City’s Downtown area. The special recognition ceremony was held June 28, 2016 in Cedar Rapids. Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds was also in attendance.

The Governor praised the commitment of the volunteers, while Lt. Governor Reynolds commended them for the example they set for others. “The dedication of the people selected for these awards often encourages others to become involved in service,” she said.

Schreiber was honored for her years of volunteer work, assisting City of Iowa City staff in maintaining planters, including sharing plants from her own gardens.  Through her years of service, Schreiber has engaged volunteers from groups such as Hope House, University of Iowa REACH program, Master gardeners, students, and other members of the community who have learned to plant and maintain a garden by working alongside her.

“Thousands of people visit our Downtown weekly, and Linda’s commitment to planting and maintaining the many flower gardens help make it a vibrant, beautiful environment for all,” said Carol Sweeting, the City’s Volunteer Coordinator.  “This award honors her dedication and service, and exemplifies the importance of volunteers in our community who are working for the betterment of all.”

Coordinated by Volunteer Iowa, the Governor’s Volunteer Award program provides a way for Iowa nonprofits, charitable organizations, and government entities to honor their volunteers with a state-level award.  Hundreds of volunteers are recognized each spring during ceremonies held at several locations around the state.

For more information, contact Carol Sweeting with the City of Iowa City at 319-541-2385 or visit www.volunteeriowa.org.