Bethlehem Mom Wins Community Service Award

Donna Boyle of Bethlehem was recently honored by the Bethlehem Housing Authority, receiving the 11th annual Josefina A. Berrios Award for community service. The award is given every year to a housing authority resident who promotes excellent citizenship in their community. Berrios was a long time resident and employee with the authority. 

Boyle and her developmentally challenged son, Nathan, live in a Housing Choice Voucher unit (formerly known as Section 8 housing). For the past 15 years, Boyle has taken an active role with Special Olympics, starting out as a parent volunteer and progressing from there.

She started offering herself as a coaches helper, then as a chaperone, information distributor, volunteer recruiter, and transportation coordinator. Over the years, Boyle sought and attained status as a certified coach in several different sports.

Boyle also helps raise awareness of Special Olympics throughout the community. She helps plan fundraisers and serves as a mentor to parents. As a coach, she has developed a very special bond with her athletes and they in turn love her and trust her.

Alice Moat, Bethlehem Special Olympics volunteer coordinator, was on hand to present the award.