Angel Feliciano of Lancaster was honored on October 20, 2012, with an Essence of humanity Award by The Spanish American Civic Association. The award was presented at its annual gala held at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square on October 20.
The Essence of Humanity Award recognizes individuals who, beyond the requirements of their work, demonstrate remarkable human qualities including courage, love, strength, determination, and persistence when dealing with adversity. The award also honors those who demonstrate a spirit of caring and provide inspiration to such individuals on a daily basis.
About Angel Feliciano (source: nomination by Carlos Graupera)
Angel Feliciano was presented with an Essence of Humanity award in recognition of 20 years of volunteer service to Lancaster’s homeless, including making sure that Christmas giving includes homeless children too — by coordinating the Toys for Tots and Project Outreach programs.
Working with Project Outreach, Angel coordinates local Lancaster volunteers from organizations like Lancaster General Hospital, Fulton Bank, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Susquehanna Valley Chef’s Association and churches such as the First Spanish Assembly of God — with an objective of providing food, clothing, and spiritual guidance to the homeless. These volunteers have traveled to areas throughout the Mid-Atlantic (Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Baltimore) and to Louisiana during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Feliciano’s passion and commitment to the good that volunteers can accomplish has been an inspiration to others for more than two decades.
Feliciano credits his mother as the source of his own inspiration, and through the ideal she set, he exhibits a great love for humanity.
“From drug addicts to the homeless, she opened her doors to anyone in the South Bronx who was down on their luck,” says Feliciano. “I remember all those strangers who came over to eat, especially young women and their children. These days, while working in my church and food banks, I see young mothers and their children — tired, hungry, lonely and afraid. The greatest reward is to know how many lives have been touched and seeing the homeless children glow with happiness on Christmas.”
About Essence of Humanity
The intent of the Essence of Humanity Award is to honor those who inspire the best in all of us through the award and by elevating their stories. The program began in 2001 when business and community leaders in South-Central Pennsylvania established the award. The award is presented by participating organizations in collaboration with the Essence of Humanity program’s steering committee, which evaluates the nominations. For more information, contact Robin Stauffer, Executive Director, at 717-293-4498, or visit the website at www.essenceofhumanity.org.