2026 Ada Edwards Laughlin Award Winner – Thea Bell

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2026 Community Volunteer Award Winner – Steve Bell

At the March 26 Assistance League of North Coast chapter meeting, two very special members received awards.  Thea Bell was awarded the Ada Edwards Laughlin award. This award is given to a member chosen by her fellow members who works behind the scenes and is less visible but a helper and friend to all. Nominees included Fran Tovar, Kathie Hafner, Nancy Lettow, Angela Bear, Christie Brande, Cheryl Geigle, Jan White, Anna Manwaring, Ellen Moss, Beverly Charles, Steve Schaefer, Nancy Gayvert, Janet Yamaoka, and Jan V.. Thea spends many hours in the back room of the Thrift Shop working with the clothing donations.  In describing our 2026 Ada Edward Laughlin winner, her fellow members said that Thea is super knowledgeable about the garments she handles while working in the Thrift Shop. Members reported that Thea works nonstop, cheerfully sorting clothes no matter the daunting stack in front of her. Other comments stated that she would be the person they would choose to be their personal shopper. She is described as friendly to all, always with a smile on her face.

The Community Volunteer Award, one rarely given by our chapter, was awarded to Steve Bell. Steve spends many hours in the Thrift Shop working with the electronics in the back room and helping customers sort out mysteries associated with technology. In fact, Steve is described as kind and considerate and helpful to any confused Thrift Shop Customer. He can be found lifting and toting furniture and other items for customers without complaint. Steve is described as a Renaissance man with knowledge of many things who can fix anything or would die trying.