Cherry Hill resident receives award for community service
The 19th annual Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference ceremony was held on May 1 at Ramapo College of New Jersey in the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts. Evangelia “Poppy” Davis of Cherry Hill was among the ten individuals from throughout New Jersey who were recognized for their outstanding community service and charitable contributions that made a substantial impact on the lives of others.
Davis spends her Fridays as a volunteer in the local Camden County Red Cross office. The 92-year-old has been doing so for the last 55 years. Her day, which typically goes from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., includes registering blood donors and running the canteen to ensure the donors have enough to eat and drink. Davis said she joined the Red Cross in 1960 because she wanted to help with blood drives.
Davis is a native of Eritrea, a country on the horn of Africa. She came to American in 1945 after marrying her America career soldier husband. They settled in New Jersey after tours in Germany and South Korea. She spends the summer in New Hampshire and volunteers there. Davis believes “When you commit yourself, you commit yourself.” She received a $5,000 award.
