Leon Zimmermann serves United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County in various capacities. First and foremost, this jovial, good humored man welcomes everyone entering the United Way building with a smile and warm greeting. As our volunteer receptionist, Leon does not allow a position to define him. He is truly a jack of all trades as he can be found answering phones, directing guests, brewing coffee, serving up pizza and chili, decorating the office, loading/hauling/unloading for events, pitching tents (literally), engineering efficient work stations, and lastly, entertaining us with humor. Oh, and not to mention, bringing us a tin of his baked cookies.

Always willing to help wherever and whenever needed, it was no surprise when Leon jumped at the chance to be Kris Kringle this holiday season. Despite having to share a Santa suit with his son, Leon gladly worked around his son's schedule in order to volunteer as Saint Nick during holiday parties hosted by several United Way supported agencies.

Leon is not exclusive to volunteering for United Way. In fact, he has the same spirit of giving when involved in his church, Ascension Lutheran. As his church provides a free dinner on the third Thursday of each month, Leon can be found there delivering a hot cup of coffee accompanied by a warm handshake or hug and good conversation...offering a warm human touch to persons who often feel isolated and are low in spirits. He can also be found on Fridays delivering backpack lunches to Gibson Elementary School as part of the Backpack Program, which provides school children with healthy meals to take home for the weekend. Yet no matter where he is, Leon can be found by the "Navy" hat he so proudly wears upon his head. As a Navy veteran, perhaps this is where his volunteer spirit was cultivated.

We at United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County are so grateful to have Leon volunteering in our building, not only because of what he does for United Way but for all he does for our community. For this reason, we proudly nominate Leon Zimmermann Jr. for Volunteer of The Year.