“She is the queen of random acts of kindness.”
That was the first sentence Debbie Basile, director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program at Lutheran, said about Pam Lucas.
On Saturday, Lucas was crowned the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation’s 2019 Axel W. Carlson Unsung Hero Award recipient.
Lucas, a resident of the Town of Ellicott, has unselfishly given her time to many organizations throughout the region for decades.
“When my children were younger, I was the leader for their scouting programs,” Lucas said. “For seven years, (the children) met at our home on Saturday mornings at all different times. It took a lot of organization but it was a lot of fun.”
As her children grew out of scouting, Lucas did not grow out of serving others. In addition to being a member of RSVP for more than 15 years, she has given her time to sewing clothing items and giving haircuts to the guests at United Christian Advocacy Network, preparing meals at St. Susan Center, and sewing a variety of items for several local organizations.
“I enjoy making fleece baby booties, quilts and hats for the maternity ward at UPMC Chautauqua,” Lucas said.
Lucas also sews items and assembles “foster children suitcases” for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Chautauqua County to be given to children moving around.
According to Basile, one of Lucas’ biggest sewing projects, was the creation of a wedding dress for a young woman at her church.
“This young lady dreamed of a lovely ceremony with a traditional wedding gown,” Basile said. “Pam scoured the entire southern tier in search of a dress she could alter to make her own. It wasn’t until my daughter offered her wedding dress to be loaned to the lady that Pam was able to make her dream come true.”
During the award ceremony at The Falcons Nest, the Community Foundation presented Lucas with a plaque commemorating her achievements, $1,000 for herself and $500 to be awarded to a charity of her choice. She selected the United Christian Advocacy Network.
“I truly love helping others and giving of my service to those in need,” Lucas said. “There have been many people on my life’s journey that have taught me important skills that I hope to pass on to others.”
For 34 years, the Unsung Hero Award has been presented annually to residents of the Southern Chautauqua region who have made significant contributions to their community through their efforts while neither receiving, nor expecting, reward or recognition.
“Presenting this award is an excellent reminder of the good we have in our community,” said Tory Irgang, Community Foundation executive director. “Pam is a wonderful example of selflessness and we are honored to be able to celebrate her today.”
