Betty Duffy, of Whitehall, was presented a State Volunteer Spotlight Award during Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County’s 45th anniversary and volunteer celebration event April 20.

“This is the third year that we are acknowledging the selfless efforts of ordinary people who accomplish the extraordinary through volunteer service and who motivate others to follow their lead,” said Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne, who presented the award to Duffy. “It’s a privilege to recognize their commitment to serving older Pennsylvanians in their local communities.

“Their willingness to share their time and talent makes a difference. Betty has truly made a difference to hundreds of people through her 45 years of service to Meals on Wheels and her other volunteer work,” Osborne said.

Duffy, 89, has been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County since the program first began Feb. 1, 1971. Turning 90 this September, she is one of only three remaining original volunteers who have been with the agency since its inception.

Volunteering on the same route for 45 years, she has driven 31,165 miles; donated 4,298 hours; made over 25,000 visits; and delivered more than 50,000 meals.

Duffy volunteers for Whitehall Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels of Northampton County and St. John’s Evangelical Church as well.

She also is a long-standing blood donor at Miller-Keystone Blood Center.

Dawn Stillwagen, Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County volunteer coordinator, said, “As Betty approaches her 90th birthday, her level of involvement in the community shows no sign of lessening. She is a wonderful example of how much one person can accomplish when motivated by love, compassion and a profound desire to improve the lives of others. We are honored to know her, and our community is a better place because of her presence.”