Atlanta resident Charlie Smith was recently named a 2013 Maytag Dependable Leader, along with 25 other recipients from across the nation. The award, sponsored by Maytag Brand and the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA), recognizes exceptional BGCA professionals and volunteers.
Smith works with the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Greater Atlanta as Unit Director and Director of Training. He has been involved with BGCA for 42 years, and he said that his work was inspired by the BGCA leaders who mentored him as he was growing up.
Smith’s award comes with a $20,000 grant, which he plans to use to renovate the Bellwood Teen center.
“We’re losing a lot of teens to the streets, and a lot of these teens feel like there’s no hope, and here at the Boys and Girls Club we want to be that hope,” Smith said.
The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Atlanta runs a variety of programs designed to help local children and teenagers succeed, including a money management program, a career guidance program, and a college preparation program.
“It just makes me so proud to be able to make an impact on young people. Just to be able to change their lives and equip them with the proper tools that they would need to succeed in life,” said Smith.
His award was recognized by leaders of both the national Boys and Girls Club of America and Maytag.
“Charlie Smith is truly a dependable leader who selflessly gives his time and efforts to the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta, and we are proud to see him recognized with this incredible award from Maytag,” said Leisa Smith, the Executive Director of the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta. “Through the Maytag Dependable Leader Award, Charlie Smith will continue making a positive impact in our community and build upon our reach. We are grateful to Maytag for supporting our organization’s efforts to serve young people and make a difference in their lives.”
William Beck, the senior brand director of Maytag, explained why Smith was chosen.
“The Maytag Dependable Leader Award allows the brand to give back to Boys & Girls Club professionals and volunteers who continue to give tirelessly of themselves to the Clubs and the youth they work with,” he said. “Charlie Smith provides his Club with passion and untiring devotion; it is our honor to recognize him with this award.”
Smith said that he was thankful for all of the support he has received over the years that has allowed him to make an impact.
“I have to give credit where credit is due,” said Smith. “To my supportive staff, and to all the outside people who helped me along the way.”
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