In the bottom row are Theresa Santoro, Salvation Army Ridgefield unit chairperson, Rotarian and president of RVNA; Mike Liberta, unit member and Lions Club member; Kathleen Orfitelli, Salvation Army director of Volunteer Services; Joyce Ligi, unit member and Lions Club member. Top row: Rudy Marconi, first selectman and unit treasurer; Karen Gaudian, municipal agent for the elderly; Tony Philips, director of social services for Ridgefield.
The Salvation Army Southern New England Division recognized Michael Liberta for longtime volunteer service on Thursday, April 24.
For 25 years as kettle coordinator for the Salvation Army Ridgefield/Redding Service Unit, Mr. Liberta has rallied community volunteer bell-ringers to raise significant funds to supplement the organization’s local Comprehensive Emergency Assistance Program.
Some 90% of funds raised locally are returned for direct client assistance to those in need in Ridgefield, the organization said.
Mr. Liberta and his volunteers helped the Salvation Army in Ridgefield to keep lights on, heat homes, provide hot meals, send children and seniors to the Salvation Army’s Camp CONNRI, and send children back to school with new shoes.