CSO Celebrates Community Impact at Inaugural Gratitude Gathering

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Hundreds of supporters gather to honor volunteers, partners, program participants, and staff

Danville, PA — May 27, 2026 — Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO) hosted its first-ever Gratitude Gathering, bringing together hundreds of supporters, including staff, volunteers, funders, partner agencies, and community members to celebrate the people and organizations whose dedication drives CSO's mission across Central Pennsylvania.

The event was emceed by Mark Giesen, Director of Community Engagement at the Danville Area Community Center, a longtime community leader and lay leader at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. The evening opened with a Community Action Month proclamation presented by State Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver, underscoring the vital role community action organizations play across the Commonwealth.

The program featured recognition of the volunteers, partners, and participants whose efforts sustain CSO's programs throughout the region.

Food Pantry Volunteers Recognized CSO honored the volunteer groups whose ongoing contributions keep emergency food resources available to families in need, including: City of Shamokin Fresh Food Pantry, CSO Shamokin Friends of Berwick, Hand Up Foundation, Kulpmont Borough, Milton/Warrior Run Kiwanis, Mt. Carmel Ministerium, Mt. Carmel Township, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Shamokin Salvation Army, St. Patrick's Church, Sunbury Salvation Army.

VITA Program Volunteers Honored CSO's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which connects low-to-moderate income residents with free tax preparation services, recognized the volunteers who make it possible: Aron Carter, Chuck Hopta, Millard and Martha Manning, and Caryl Moser.

Program Participant Success Stories The Baez Family was recognized for their progress through CSO's self-sufficiency case management program, and Bobbi Gumpy was celebrated for her success as a PA CareerLink® program participant. Both took to the podium to deliver moving remarks, sharing their personal journeys of perseverance, self-improvement, and the transformative support they received through CSO's programs, offering attendees an inspiring reminder of the real lives behind the mission.

Staff Spotlights Three staff members were recognized for their contributions: Andrew Fox, Food Coordinator; Shryl Whitesell, Central Connections Lead Project Coordinator; and Staci Herrold, Fiscal Support/Purchasing.

Award Recipients

• Volunteer of the Year: Donna Douthat

• Business Partner of the Year: PPL Foundation

• Partner Agency of the Year: Community Giving Foundation

• Board Member of the Year: Robert Garrett

Closing remarks were delivered by CSO Board Chair Gregory Sacavage, who reflected on the organization's mission and the collective strength of the community.