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St. Cloud resident honored at 2012 Volunteer of the Year

Carol Severson receives highest statewide recognition for service and volunteerism in support of Minnesota seniors

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Carol Severson of St. Cloud has been named the Aging Services of Minnesota 2012 Volunteer of the Year for her years of service to the residents at St. Benedict's Senior Community - St. Cloud. This special award is the highest honor recognizing the dedication and service of volunteers who support Minnesota seniors.

Severson was honored at the 2012 Aging Services of Minnesota Institute on Feb. 10 before
an audience of more than 1,500 aging services professionals, including a proud team from
St. Benedict's Senior Community.

"Carol Severson is an inspiring example of what a volunteer can accomplish," said Gayle Kvenvold, president and CEO of Aging Services of Minnesota. "Her dedication has made a difference in the lives of so many."

Severson became familiar with St. Benedict's Senior Community when her parents were residents. Her visits included gatherings with her parent's friends and neighbors. Even though her parents has since passed away, Severson's bond with St. Benedict's is going strong.

Among her many contributions to St. Benedict's through the years, Severson has organized weekly card clubs and Bible studies that have become a regular highlight for residents. She is a woman who doesn't wait for somebody to ask her to do something. Where she sees a need, she springs into action.

"Carol genuinely connects with and cares for every resident she meets. She brings brightness and energy into everything she does," said Jo Ellen Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator at
St. Benedict's Senior Community.

Severson has family in the military and understands how important it is for troops to know they are appreciated. For the last four years, she has organized a massive project she calls the "Cookies for Troops Program." The sights and smells of Santa's bakery fill the St. Benedict's community, with dozens of residents joyfully decorating Christmas cookies to send to overseas troops.

In 2010, Severson went a step further and arranged for one of the troop members, her brother-in-law, to visit St. Benedict''s residents while home on leave. He thanked them for their wonderful gifts and told of cookies being passed around on Christmas Eve in Iraq, and the spontaneous caroling that followed.

Learn more about St. Benedict's Senior Community

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