Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services paid tribute to older adults in the community who have demonstrated exceptional generosity with their time and talent to enhance the lives of others. The 17th annual event, Tribute to Unsung Heroes, was held May 17 at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church on MacArthur Road, Whitehall.

The county honors senior volunteers every May during Older Americans Month. This year, 14 seniors were honored for their contributions.

“The services we provide would not be possible without the voluntary contributions made by the people we honor today,” said Rick Molchany, Lehigh County director of general services.

In addition to the 14 honorees, the office of aging acknowledged the contribution of two support groups: Cedarbrook Nursing Home Auxiliary and Lehigh Valley Veterans’ History Project. The auxiliary began in 2005 to raise funds for equipment and supplies to support Cedarbrook’s residents. The history project collects, preserves and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans.

The individuals honored at the event make a difference in the everyday lives of families in the Lehigh Valley.

Among the honorees was Karleen Beischl, of Coplay, who works with Girl Scouts at St. Peter Roman Catholic Church.

Isabelle Andrews, of Bethlehem, started a clothing center for the homeless and later added a food pantry.

Donald Christ, of New Tripoli, is a volunteer firefighter working to restore Ontelaunee Park.

Leo “Beau” Clarke, of Wescosville, volunteers at Daikon, Jewish Family Services, Senior Corps, Benefits Checkup and the Apprise Program.

Grace Conti, of Orefield, volunteers her time at Zumba Gold classes and three tap-dancing classes.

Henriette Engelson, of Allentown, volunteers with Jewish Community Center. This 102-year-old volunteer organizes clothing drives and helps needy families.

John Harting, of Schnecksville, documents veterans’ graves at Jordan United Church of Christ’s cemetery in South Whitehall Township.

Nancy Holbrook, of New Tripoli, manages Lowhill Food Pantry at Christ’s Church.

Roberta and John Janson, of Allentown, founded Dough to Door to collect and share usable food stuffs.

Marie Johnson, of Allentown, volunteers at Liberty Bell Museum.

Ruth Kemmerer, of Emmaus, is a 60-year member of Woman’s Club of Emmaus. She is actively involved with Emmaus Historical Society. Gladys Lerch, of Allentown, volunteers at Phoebe Allentown.

Roger Reis, of Macungie, retired as a state police captain, helps veterans navigate various organizations as part of the Veteran’s Mentoring Program.

Ann Schaffer, of Allentown, delivers meals to homebound residents. In her 40 years, she has delivered nearly 24,000 meals.

The reception after the event was sponsored by PA Link, Giant food market on Tilghman Street and Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church.