Ulster BOCES Special Education Account Clerk Deborah Crump is being recognized as Community Volunteer of the Year by People's Place in Kingston. The tireless philanthropic commitments of Crump, fellow volunteer Tim Stenson, and The Chateau, will be celebrated at the not-for-profit's annual Kentucky Derby event at Ole Savannah on May 5.

Crump, who has volunteered for the not-for-profit for nearly 10 years, has diligently worked on various projects, including Bag Summer Hunger, which provides breakfast and lunches for Ulster County children from June until September, and Bag Holiday Hunger, which supplements meals and snacks for families during the Christmas and New Year's break. Ensuring children have food when school is out is a characteristic Crump passed on to her daughter Caroline, who is the director of both programs. The senior Crump is also involved in the organization's Project Santa event.

The Town of Ulster resident says giving back to the community is a legacy handed down to her and her siblings from her parents. "I don't know any different," says Crump, recalling her parents loading her and her brother and sister into the car to support various civic, parish, and school functions. Crump says anyone, including people working one or more jobs, can fall on hard times trying to pay for healthcare, rent, car payments, and other expenses. People's Place helps to fill that void by supplementing much needed food or clothing items from its thrift store and food bank.

Crump has also been involved with the Junior League of Kingston for approximately 20 years, and is one of its past presidents. Additional volunteer work includes the American Cancer Society, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Woodstock Meals on Wheels, Friends of Forsythe Nature Center, and more.

Christine Hein, executive director of the People's Place, says, "Deb is such a great cheerleader for People's Place, and we are thrilled to honor her. She is someone I can always count on to help with any project, program, or event. Deb is more than just a community volunteer, she is a true friend of our mission."