Toni Adams named Community Hero of the Month for May
Toni Adams has been named the May Community Hero of the Month, presented by the Tompkins Chamber in partnership with Tompkins Community Bank. This award recognizes individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted the community.
As Executive Director of the Lansing Food Pantry, Adams has been helping to ensure local families have access to healthy and nutritious food. In her role, Adams coordinates volunteers, serves clients, orders and manages inventory, and manages the food pantry’s finances.
“She is the driving force behind the Lansing Food Pantry that so many depend on,” Adams’ nomination stated. “Toni’s work makes a huge difference in the lives of our neighbors, making sure folks do not go hungry and kids have what they need to grow and thrive.”
Additionally, Adams is part of the Lansing Lunchbox team, a food program that serves children in the Lansing Central School District.
“Toni volunteers her time (hours and hours each and every week without fail) and gives her good will to make sure the rest of us are taken care of,” the nomination stated. “Toni has dedicated her efforts to helping. That’s the definition of a community hero.”
“The people I work with are all very much into helping other people,” said Adams, “and the clients that come in to those two programs, they’re so appreciative.”
Adams has more than thirty years of experience in human resources and applies her passion for helping people to her current roles.
“Maybe it’s ingrained in me, I’ve done it (helping people) for so long,” she said. “That’s the way people should be. That’s the way I grew up and I made a big assumption that everybody is that way.”
The effect of Adams’s work has been nothing but positive, according to Tompkins Chamber President Jennifer Tavares. “Toni exemplifies the impact a passionate, caring volunteer can have on their local community,” Tavares said. “Her work as Executive Director of the Lansing Food Pantry and support for the Lansing Lunchbox school-based food program have helped hundreds of families navigate hard times and adverse economic conditions. We need more Tonis in this world.”
Tompkins President and CEO Greg Hartz said Adams’s contribution to the Lansing community is notable. “Toni is a perfect example of a community hero,” he said. “She fills a great need in Lansing, and she thinks nothing of giving her energy to make sure people facing food insecurity have access to healthy and nutritious food. It is people like Toni that make our communities special.”
Adams has worked with Food Bank of the Southern Tier through the Lansing food programs, and her work has not gone unnoticed by that agency’s leadership. “Coupled with the depth of her knowledge of food insecurity, civil rights, and the Lansing community, Toni leads with team, smarts, and heart,” said Kathleen Pasetty, FBST programs and partnerships coordinator. “Her pantry pivoted to a drive-thru model during COVID and continues to tweak its systems based on community feedback. Toni’s thoughtfulness extends to the Food Bank drivers, with little thank you’s along the way in their full, stressful days. She’s responsive and dedicated. We are so grateful for this partnership with Toni and the Lansing Food Pantry, and this award is so well deserved.”
Adams will receive a Community Hero of the Month plaque and a few additional surprises from Tompkins Community Bank.
For more information about the Lansing Food Pantry, call 607.379.7245. For more information about Lansing Lunchbox, visit facebook.com/LansingLunchbox or email lansingsummerlunchbox@gmail.com.
About Tompkins Community Bank
Founded in 1836, Tompkins Community Bank serves the Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York, and the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Through their unique local decision-making model, the bank offers personalized service and exceptional responsiveness, while delivering a broad range of products and services for consumers and businesses. Insurance services are offered through Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and wealth management services are available through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information is available at www.tompkinsbank.com.
About Tompkins Chamber
With over 650 active members, the Tompkins Chamber is dedicated to making our community a great place to live and work. The Chamber is a progressive, forward-thinking organization dedicated to promoting business in our region by being the community’s nexus. The mission of the Tompkins Chamber is to foster sustainable economic growth through service to our members, strategic advocacy, workforce development, destination marketing, and quality-of-life investments.
About Community Hero of the Month
The Tompkins Community Bank, in partnership with the Tompkins Chamber, is pleased to announce the launch of the Community Hero of the Month Awards, which will give deserving recognition to individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community. The program will begin March 2021 and will announce community heroes each month.
Tompkins Community Bank President and CEO Greg Hartz shared his excitement for the new program, “We are looking forward to honoring these incredible community heroes who have done so much for Tompkins County and are pleased to collaborate with the Tompkins Chamber on this important and meaningful initiative” Hartzadded, “It is especially important to recognize the accomplishments of community members who have stepped up this past year, as COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on the entire community.”
“This is a wonderful way for us partner with Tompkins Community Bank and show gratitude to these deserving community members who have demonstrated exemplary service to our community,” said Jennifer Tavares, President & CEO of the Tompkins Chamber. “We’re excited to highlight how much the Community Bank and Tompkins Chamber alike value strong leadership and commitment to our community with the establishment of this new recognition program.”
The monthly winners will receive a Community Hero of the Month plaque and a few additional surprises from Tompkins Community Bank.
