VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Hundreds of Saint-Gobain people in the United States and Canada devote their personal time, talents, and energy to the success of non-profit organizations in their communities.

Each year, the Volunteer Recognition Award is presented to employees and retirees whose volunteer efforts are clearly extraordinary. Besides honoring them for their achievements, the company makes a substantial donation, in each person's name, to the organization in which he or she is involved.

*	2006 Award Recipients [221k]
*	2005 Award Recipients [168k]

2006 Award Nominations:
Employee Nominees
Retiree Nominees

CONNIE BARRETT It's been said that volunteering does more for the volunteer than it does for the organization he or she helps. That's a statement Connie Barrett, a volunteer for Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village, couldn't agree with more. In addition to a weekly shift at the shelter's welcome desk, this 10-year volunteer attends adoption events, serves on fund-raising committees, and has participated in the youth program "PAWs for Reading." She has also worked with the Therapy Dog International Program, taking her certified dog to visit patients in nursing homes. "This organization has done so much for me," says Barrett."I've met some of my best friends here, and have witnessed some miraculous things involving the animals. I'm very happy to be a part of it."

• Payroll Analyst • Saint-Gobain   Corporation • Aurora, Ohio Recipient Organization: Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village Russell Township, Ohio

JAY CULLEY Talk about wearing many hats! In addition to being fire chief at the Charlie Thornberry Volunteer Fire Department, Jay Culley also functions as grant writer,mechanic and floor sweeper. Culley, who's been involved with the company for some 20 years, explains that he finds volunteering very rewarding. "You really get something out of it," he notes."Maybe it's not something physical that you can hold in your hand, but you definitely benefit." Culley's many accomplishments include the successful authorship of two grants that allowed the company to purchase a new fire truck. "The hours can really add up," he admits, "but with membership declining they need all the volunteers they can get. It's always a good feeling to know you've helped others."

• Electrician • Saint-Gobain Vetrotex • Wichita Falls, Texas Recipient Organization: Charlie Thornberry Volunteer Fire Department Wichita Falls, Texas

RONALD JACKSON A person must really love a job to spend more than 800 hours a year (that's approximately 16 hours a week) doing it. That's definitely the case with Ronald Jackson, president of the Heights Little League in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. As president, Jackson is involved in everything – coaching, field maintenance, working at the clubhouse, and fundraising. He first joined when his son was little and just about ready to join the league, but has stuck with it even now that his son is in high school. "I don't want any accolades," says Jackson, "but I'm really grateful for the money and what it will allow us to do for the organization, such as keeping registration fees down so all kids can join. It's a lot of work but it's worth it to be there for the kids."

• Electrician • Saint-Gobain   Corporation • Mountaintop, Pennsylvania Recipient Organization: Heights Little League Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

DARREN JORDAN "I guess I'm just an adrenaline junkie," jokes Darren Jordan, assistant fire chief at the Ronda Community Volunteer Fire Department in Ronda, North Carolina. That must be true, because only then could a person balance a demanding job with countless hours of volunteer work. Jordan helps with pre-fire planning, setting up and maintaining remote water points, and fire equipment upkeep and repair. In addition, he must undergo 36 hours of training each year to maintain his certification and learn new techniques. His one regret? "That I don't have as much time as I'd like to put into this position," Jordan says.

• Maintenance Leader • CertainTeed Corporation • Roaring River, North Carolina Recipient Organization: Ronda Community Volunteer Fire Department Ronda, North Carolina

DARRYL SZKLANY Volunteer firefighting has been a vital part of Darryl Szklany's life since he was 19, and even after 37 years as a volunteer firefighter, he has no intentions of retiring. Currently the assistant fire chief, Szklany has held a number of leadership positions since the early 1970s, including captain, fire chief, safety officer, and president, and spends an average of 11 hours a week at the station. But the fire department isn't Szklany's only volunteer job; he's also a trustee for his local Elks chapter. Says Szklany of his involvement, "The community has been very good to me, and I'm pleased to be able to give back to it."

• Maintenance/Electrician • Saint-Gobain Textile   Solutions • Albion, New York Recipient Organization: Albion Volunteer Fire Department Albion, New York

RICHARD MINARD "I do just about anything they ask me to," says Richard Minard of his involvement with Camp JJ,which organizes and holds a week-long summer camp program for special needs children. Minard, who has been working with Camp JJ since the group was founded some 21 years ago, acts as treasurer for the organization and actively participates in all facets of camping activities. He also helps plan the camp activities, which revolve around a different theme each year. "It's just a lot of fun," says Minard of the camp."I have a great time with the campers, as well as their teenage counselors, some of whom have become special education teachers. It has been very rewarding for my wife, the group's vice president, and myself."

• Production Supervisor   (retired) • Saint-Gobain Containers • Port Allegany, Pennsylvania Recipient Organization: Camp JJ Bradford, Pennsylvania

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