If you are planning on moving to Jacksonville, you will quickly realize how nice the people in the community are. Folks in Jacksonville are the kind of people who say “hello,” hold the door for the person behind them, and know their neighbors by name. So it was no surprise to your Jacksonville moving company when local resident, Caralene Parker, was a recipient of the 2014 Champion of Service Award at Jacksonville’s Clanzel T. Brown Senior Center.

Parker is known in Jacksonville for her work with the Brown Center, where she is the treasurer and song leader. As the Brown Center’s song leader, she sings at events and funerals to bring comfort to those around her. She is very active in her church, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, local hospitals, and nursing homes. Parker has been working with the Brown Center for 11 years, and she has held leadership positions for several projects there. Her peers and other community organizers could not say enough nice things about her during the award ceremony.

Six Floridians were honored with the award by Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman. The Champion of Service Award is Florida’s only statewide volunteer award. The awards were given for volunteer work with children, students, and the elderly.

The Jacksonville community is very strong. If you are new in town and interested in becoming a Jacksonville volunteer, there is plenty that you can get involved with. Maybe you can join the Brown Center in their efforts and meet Caralene Parker yourself!