Lucio Lerma Honored for Work Underserved Community in Coachella Valley
(Palm Desert, CA)—Nineteen-year State Farm employee Lucio Lerma has been named co-winner of the 2010-2011 State Farm Volunteer of the Year Award for California. Lerma was selected as the recipient for Southern California for his seven years of service in helping Manna Projects in the Coachella Valley of Riverside County. A recognition event will be held May 4, 2011 at 7:00 pm at 39605 Entrepreneur Lane, Palm Desert, CA.
Seven years ago, Lerma felt a strong need to give back to the community in which he has lived and worked his entire life. He began working with Manna Projects and quickly assumed a leadership role, which he attributes to his ability to speak fluent Spanish, but those around him say he’s just being modest. Over the years, Lerma has shown his two daughters the importance of giving back to the community by bringing them along on Saturdays.
Lerma was also recently nationally recognized for his work with Manna Projects when he was returned to the National headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. While there he was also ordained as a minister and will now be able to expand on his impact by providing counseling to those who reach out to him.
Recently Lerma shared that Manna Projects achieved a great milestone of delivering just over one million pounds of food since the inception of the organization in 1999. “I long for the day when there is no longer a need for organizations like Manna Project, however, in the meantime, I encourage anyone who has some extra time or dollars to give it to someone in need in your community,” said Lerma.
As Southern California Volunteer of the Year for State Farm, Lerma is being honored by State Farm Chairman and CEO Ed Rust Jr with grant for $500 to Manna Project on Lerma’s behalf. In addition he will receive a plaque and receive a copy of the book, “Chicken Soup for the Volunteer’s Soul.”
Felicia Van Frank, State Farm Insurance (909) 297-7422.
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