LINK Volunteer Receives Herndon Distinguished Service Award

“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38).

LINK President, Lisa Lombardozzi, received the Town of Herndon Distinguished Service Award at the 30th Annual Mayor's Volunteer Appreciation Night on Sunday, April 6th. The event was held at the Herndon Community Center to recognize outstanding volunteers during “National Volunteer Week.”

This event was sponsored by the Herndon Town Council to congratulate and extend the Town's appreciation of the many volunteers who have worked diligently throughout the year to make Herndon an outstanding community.

Lisa was nominated by LINK and the Herndon Women’s Club. The nomination recognizes her service as President of Herndon Middle and High Schools’ PTAs, actively volunteering in Young Life, preparing the newsletter for Herndon United Methodist Church, chairing numerous committees and assisting with community events, serving two years as President of the Herndon Woman’s Club, and her 15 year commitment to volunteer service with LINK.

LINK has been serving the Herndon, Sterling, and Ashburn communities for over 40 years. On an annual basis, LINK provides approximately 800 direct to home deliveries of emergency food to local residents. These deliveries occur 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year.

As President of LINK, Lisa oversees this all-volunteer organization that budgets less than $4,000.00 on operating expenses and yet is similar to the Gospel story of the loaves and fish by literally touching the lives of thousands of people utilizing an annual budget of less than $100,000.00.

Lisa has established a motivated and influential working Board of Directors which has elevated LINK to one of the most recognized non-profits in Northern Virginia.  Under her guidance, LINK’s comprehensive programs for assisting needy families with groceries, gift cards, clothing and financial assistance has been distinguished by elected officials and community leaders alike.

LINK was recognized in the Congressional Record by the Honorable Frank R. Wolf for the organizations service to the community, Virginia House Joint Resolution No. 416 sponsored by Del. Tom Rust recognized LINK’s 40 years of service, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized LINK, and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors presented LINK with a Resolution of Recognition. Under Lisa’s leadership, outstanding volunteers have received the Herndon Distinguished Service Award and the Loudoun Magazine Unsung Hero award for non-profit work.

During Lisa’s tenure as LINK President (2011-present), she has created tremendous synergy between LINK and many emergency support organizations in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. Lisa initiated a partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) to begin a new monthly program - the Mobile Food Pantry.  Large pallets of surplus food are brought by the CAFB to a LINK member church parking lot in Sterling. LINK volunteers bag the food into family-sized portions and distribute to families in need. In 2013, LINK distributed more than 78,000 pounds of food to more than 10,000 individuals through the Mobile Food Pantry.

Another new program created under Lisa’s leadership -- the 'School Food Rescue Program'.  Working with area schools in Fairfax and Loudoun, LINK volunteers are able to pick up surplus unopened, perishable items from school lunches and include them in scheduled food deliveries.

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” – Hebrews 13:2.

Lisa began volunteering with LINK as a Phone Coordinator almost 15 years ago. As Phone Coordinator, she monitored the LINK phone line, contacted needy families, and provided oversight for daily direct to home food deliveries.

In 2008, she took on the role of Holiday (Thanksgiving & Christmas) Program Coordinator. This is a huge undertaking as she manages 1,000 volunteers, plans distribution of 110,000 pounds of perishable and non-perishable groceries, $25,000.00 in gift cards, 2,500 winter garments, and 4,000 toys to over 850 families during November and December holiday events.

When asked what keeps her working with LINK, Lisa said, “The people who are involved! I have met some incredible individuals who selflessly give of their free time for others. I am inspired by all of them. I love the many programs we now employ and how so many people from all ages and backgrounds provide their time and treasure. I enjoy volunteering along with our LINK guests who when recovered from hard times, give back where they can.”

LINK is thriving under Lisa’s leadership. Her altruistic volunteerism combined with her passion for the LINK mission allows the organization to expand and assist more families in need every year. Lisa’s dedication and compassion for the families that we serve are an inspiration to us all and makes a difference in the lives of so many needy people. LINK and The Town of Herndon are truly fortunate and blessed to have this exceptional volunteer as part of our community.

This article was compiled by Cori Sanzano and Mark Gunderman. For more information about LINK, visit the web site http://www.linkagainsthunger.org.