CONTRIBUTED PHOTO — Stacy Kelley, who works in customer operations at MARSHALLTOWN Company, recently received YSS of Marshall County’s Outstanding Service Award.

YSS recently held its yearly awards luncheon in Ames. The organization, celebrating its 50th year, “empowers youth by providing education, counseling and stability.” This year, Marshalltown-based Stacy Kelley earned the Outstanding Service Award for YSS of Marshall County. Kelley works in customer operations at MARSHALLTOWN Co. and spends most of her day assisting customers with claims.

“My husband, Gary, and I moved to Marshalltown from Grundy Center in 2021,” she said. “Our youngest son was already at ISU, and we were both employed by MARSHALLTOWN Co. Gary is a controls engineer. For us, it made sense to live near work and support the community.”

She started volunteering for YSS of Marshall County the year they relocated to Marshalltown. For David Hicks, senior director of community engagement at YSS, it was a no-brainer nominating Kelley for the award.

“Personally, I believe Stacy leads with her heart,” he said. “She would be anyone’s ‘mom.’ She takes great care in helping others, even in the smallest of details that most do not see. In a world that often measures worth in terms of achievements and accomplishments, choosing to live with a good heart and expecting nothing in return seems really different.”

Hicks added that while the agency has many great volunteers, Stacy took charge of YSS’s client holiday giving program.

“Not only does she rally her MARSHALLTOWN Company colleagues to support our efforts, she makes sure each client/program participants’ gift is specific to their wants and interests,” he noted. “For example, a couple of our young adults who have aged out of foster care just wanted a hoodie. Stacy wanted to know their favorite color, sports team, or anything else to make the gift perfect for them. The gifts are also creatively wrapped with great time and detail being put into each present. She is highly organized and holds our staff accountable with deadlines approaching — she is driven to make this endeavor as well orchestrated as possible. There are a lot of people, money, and time being spent to make this effort become realized. Stacy makes this happen year after year.”

Hicks added that one young woman opened her gifts and then sat back in “quiet reflection and gratitude,” noting her family had stopped giving gifts more than six years ago. Others are grateful to receive presents when money is tight.

Kelley is quick to point out that this endeavor is not a solo effort.

“Prior to moving to (Marshalltown), I had never even heard of YSS. My coworker was neighbors with YSS Director David Hicks, and found out that 12 young adults were timing out of foster care. That first year, a small group of us bought laundry baskets and filled them with household essentials,” Kelley noted. “We now spend our entire holiday season with YSS. We focus on Thanksgiving and Christmas because the holidays should be memorable for everyone. For Thanksgiving, we prepare take home meals with the traditional favorites. The advocates then deliver the meals to their clients. In December, we switch to Christmas gifts. Our staff generously donates their time and money. We shop, wrap and eventually drop off carloads of gifts to YSS. Finally, we spoil the YSS staff with a holiday luncheon. By this time, the gifts have been delivered. We join our friends for lunch and hear the amazing stories of the season. We love the stories. Then on Christmas morning, I enjoy sitting by my tree and reflecting on the season with a cup of coffee. That’s my gift.”

In 2023, the staff at MARSHALLTOWN Co. was given a Certificate of Appreciation from YSS in Recognition of Outstanding Leadership & Support.

Kelley said when she first got the email from Hicks that he nominated her for the Outstanding Service Award, she felt he deserved it too.

“Marshall County is fortunate to be under the leadership of David Hicks,” she added.

Hicks said a total of 11 awards were given out at this yearly event.

“Each community-based center, such as Marshalltown, Boone, Mason City, etc, selects someone who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting our agency, clients and program participants,” he said.

Kelley said she’s proud to work at a place that promotes volunteerism and community service.

“There are so many worthwhile organizations that need assistance. I encourage people to help. A small gift can make a big impact. ‘For it is in giving that we receive’ — St. Francis of Assisi,” she said.