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NILES -- For the past 31 years, Jean Williams dedicated her time to helping meet the needs of residents from Niles, McDonald and Weathersfield.
Her years of service and commitment to helping others are among the reasons why the Niles Rotary Club selected her 2017 Niles Citizen of the Year
Paul Rhodes, a rotary member who presented Williams the award, said it has been given for years. Past honorees include police officers who have risked their lives to saves the lives of others to a local man who donated an organ to help a sick child he did not know.
"Jean is the conscious of Niles. In a light-hearted way we can say Jean is our Robin Hood and Mother Theresa all wrapped in one. She is her own legend. Through her service she has effected the lives of many people. It is spectacular what Jean has been able to do," Rhodes said.
He said Williams is an example of the Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self."
"She represents that better than anyone else in Niles. It is also a true measure of a society in how it helps its needy. Niles has a lot of needy people and Jean has been there 31 years to take care of them," Williams said.
Mayor Thomas Scarnecchia presented a proclamation to Williams for her distinguished service and devotion to the citizens of Niles.
"I wish Niles had even more people like Jean. She works diligently with her board of directors and her staff," Scarnecchia said.
Williams' duties include overseeing day-to-day operations at NCS, as well as planning food drives, fundraisers and back to school school supply and clothing drives.
In December, she organizes a Christmas toy and food giveaway that helps 650 to 700 families and works with Marine Corps for the Toys for Tots for 80 children in the local service area.
"This is a town that is rich in many ways. The people and the history of Niles is so rich. There are those in need, who I have met, who fall down and pick themselves back up," Williams said.
"The people of this town have been so generous to our agency. All the money raised and donations are used to help serve others. Thank you for letting me share and be a part of your lives," Williams said.