Campus food shelf coordinator honored

STAPLES -- Sally Grove is much more than a financial aid assistant at Central Lakes College.

Staff and students at the Staples campus know this year's Outstanding Staff Member, who was honored recently at the campus awards day, as "the bag lady."

Mike Barnaby, college financial aid director, said Grove "watches over her flock -- students -- very carefully. She knows them all by name. And they know her."

Grove has dedicated herself to needy students by keeping the campus food shelf stocked.

"She comes to work carrying at least two or three bags of groceries she has picked up," said Peggy Thorn, student services assistant. "Sometimes she shops on her lunch hour, bringing even more bags when she returns."

"She is always watching for the best buys," said Shirley Johnson, receptionist. "She does a very good job at keeping (the food shelf) stocked for the students. She is also helping the students in the financial aid office with their finances and work study duties."

Grove works with virtually every student on campus, said Counselor Don Pfeffer. "She visits with me when she is aware of special student needs that she believes I can help with. She is a great person and a wonderful college team member."

Pfeffer said the campus food shelf probably would not exist without Grove.

"She freely gives of her own time to attend meetings with civic organizations, asking for donations for the food shelf," said Nancy Schmidt, campus bookstore manager.

"Sally deserves this award for all the hard work she puts into the food shelf," said Thorn. "She really goes all out to keep the shelf running. My hat's off to her."