AARP Louisiana announces 2016 Andrus Award Recipient

John Storey has been selected by AARP Louisiana to receive the 2016 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service. He will be formally recognized at a reception on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m., at the Renesting Project located at 1303 Driftwood Drive in Bossier City, LA.

Named after AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the award recognizes AARP’s most prestigious volunteer for sharing their experience, talents and skills to enrich the lives of others.

“Volunteerism is the heart and soul of AARP, and we are excited to honor the work of John Storey and all that he does in the community to make a difference,” said AARP Louisiana State Director, Denise Bottcher.

Storey, a native of Smithtown, New York, currently resides in Bossier City, LA. He served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring in 2012. Upon his retirement he made a commitment to continue serving his community.

A Certified Master Gardener, Storey utilizes his skills to assist the many food deserts that lack access to fresh, affordable fruit and vegetables. Each year, he cultivates over 6,000 seedlings to be transplanted into community gardens in his city. He has planted a garden at the Benton Council on Aging for the seniors to maintain and harvest, and assisted with after school programs to teach children how to plant, pick and prepare vegetables.

Storey’s commitment to volunteering doesn’t stop there. He can also be found transporting patients to and from chemotherapy and radiation treatments for the American Cancer Society or cooking and serving pancakes for the seniors at the Bossier Council on Aging.

His commitment to community extends beyond Bossier City. Since the historic August flooding which damaged homes across South Louisiana, Storey has been assisting the recovery by gutting and rebuilding homes in Baton Rouge. “It gives me great joy to lend a hand in helping families return to their homes,” said Storey. “Seeing the smiling faces of those who we have helped is very encouraging.”

Recently, he began working with the Renesting Project, a non-profit organization that collaborates with social service agencies to provide refurbished furniture and household items for homeless individuals who have been placed in homes.

“John Storey has been a valuable addition to our Renesting Project Team,” said Noel Haacker, executive director. He is always willing to do anything that is asked of him. He also possesses the unique ability to anticipate and act upon the unspoken needs of our organization.  As an executive director, that is a dream come true.”

The Renesting Project will receive a $500 donation from AARP in recognition of Storey’s service. For more information, contact LaTonya Scott at lsscott@aarp.org or (225) 376-1145.