Catholic Community Services of Utah honored President Thomas S. Monson Thursday for his role in promoting volunteerism and helping needy people in the Salt Lake area.
President Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received the community service award at the Community Services' 10th annual awards dinner at the Little America hotel.The Junior League and the Assistance League, both based in Salt Lake City, also received community service awards.
"I'm very humbled to accept this coveted award," President Monson said. "I love the poor, and I love the downtrodden, and I love those in need."
William Brennan, who introduced the award recipients, said President Monson has been a leader since early in life in helping people. As a busy 22-year-old bishop in the LDS Church, for example, President Monson used his scarce free time to visit the widows in his ward - 85 of them.
Many of the widows requested that he speak at their funerals, and he has complied.
President Monson's position as chairman of the LDS Welfare Executive Committee has allowed him to help many LDS Church members in need, such as those trying to recover from earthquakes or floods, Brennan said.
But his help is not limited to members of his church.
"President Monson knows that the limits of one organization can be strengthened by the assistance and help of other organizations," Brennan said.
Under President Monson's leadership, the LDS Church gave $500,000 to Salt Lake City to help the homeless, gave money to the St. Vincent de Paul Center, donated a chapel to the Salvation Army, and contributed to the remodeling of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Brennan said.
He has also encouraged LDS Church members in Salt Lake City in their practice of preparing Saturday sack lunches for the homeless, which they have done for several years.
"President Monson's leadership has been instrumental in extending the LDS Church volunteer outreach to the vulnerable members of our community," said Monsignor Terrence Fitzgerald, executive director of Catholic Community Services. "It is because of this ecumenical outreach that we honor (him)."
President Monson pointed out that LDS Church members share his accomplishments by the donation of their time and money, which he can then manage and use to help others.
He also recognized the benefit of coordinating efforts with other groups.
"Our community is a better community when we meet together like this," he said.
Of the other award recipients, the Junior League of Salt Lake City was recognized for its assistance to the homeless, the elderly, and needy women and children with support programs run by woman volunteers. The Assistance League has organized and run such programs as Operation School Bell, which gives clothes to needy school children, and the Thrift Shop, which provides professional attire to homeless women.