Vincent Caggiano of Watertown to Receive AARP’s Highest Volunteer Honor in Connecticut

Andrus Award for Community Service Honors Outstanding Volunteers Age 50-Plus

AARP Connecticut is pleased to announce Vincent Caggiano of Watertown has been selected to receive the 2021 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious state volunteer award, for his outstanding volunteerism and commitment to the community. Mr. Caggiano will be presented with the Andrus Award during a virtual ceremony on December 1, 2021.

The AARP State Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual awards program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society. The award is named for AARP founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, whose motto “to serve, not to be served” continues to shape our work years after she founded this association to help older Americans age with dignity and purpose.

“There are thousands of volunteers across the state who are making a difference in their community and people’s lives,” said Mr. Caggiano. ““It is an honor and humbling to be the one to receive the Andrus Award.”

In addition to the recognition, AARP Connecticut donates $3,000 on behalf of the Andrus recipient to an eligible non-profit organization of their choosing. Mr. Caggiano has chosen Hopeville Church Food Pantry at South Congregational Church in Waterbury.

Mr. Caggiano is receiving the award in recognition of his leadership and dedication to giving back and assisting others. For the past six years, Mr. Caggiano has volunteered with the Hopeville Food Pantry, serving as the co-director, and with the Food for Hope Program that provides weekend meals for elementary school students and their families. The two food programs combine to serve approximately 32,000 meals throughout the year to food insecure adults and children.

His drive to help those experiencing food insecurity, which began at a young age, includes organizing food drives at his high school and volunteering in local soup kitchens at various stateside assignments while he was enlisted in the United States Air Force.