Rotary honors Smith

She may be small in stature, but Willie Smith is big in heart.

Smith, the manager of Corning Christian Assistance, optimizes "Service above Self," the motto of the Rotary Club, according to Corning Rotarian Kyle Lauderdale.

On Wednesday, during a luncheon at Rolling Hills Casino, Lauderdale presented Smith with the club's Citizen of the Year award.

"Every year, the Corning Rotary Club looks at the citizens that make up Corning to select one person that stands out above the rest," Lauderdale said. "Willie has selflessly given service to this community for years."

Smith has been a volunteer with the assistance center for eight years and its manager for five. She has also been a member of the Chamber of Commerce board of directors for 10 years and instrumental in helping organize such events as the Olive Festival, May Madness, Hometown Christmas, and community mixers.

And all this in the 12 years Smith has lived in Corning.

"I am so honored," said Smith. "But this isn't really just about me, it's about the whole community."

Lauderdale explained Smith's work at the assistance center, the community's only food bank, involves providing quick relief to families in need, and at times negotiating with P.G.&E. to help keep in-need families power on.

"In addition, under Willie's direction, the assistance center provides hundreds of holiday meals to families for Thanksgiving and Christmas," Lauderdale said. "It is because of your hard work and dedication that good things happen in Corning.

Smith also works with United Bikers in holding fundraisers and canned food drives for the assistance center.

Lauderdale, using Ghandi's sentiments, said, "You can judge a society by how they treat their weakest members. Well I believe you can judge a person by those same standards and Willie Smith has proven to be a very kind, giving, sweet, dedicated, and morally strong person."

Because of her efforts Smith has also been recognized by Northern Valley Catholic Social Services with the Cornerstone of the Community award.