Samantha Larney’s dedication to community has paid off in more ways than one.
Larney, who works for the H&R Block offices in Iola and Chanute, was named a recipient of the Henry W. Bloch National Award for Outstanding Community Service.
The award brings with it a $5,000 check, which Larney in turn handed over to the Allen County Community Foundation.
The foundation then distributed the money Tuesday to three local groups dear to Larney’s heart: Iola Boy Scout Troop 55, McKinley Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization and Iola Rotary Club.
Larney has been a Cub Scout den leader for the past year, meeting with a handful of Scouts twice or more a week for meetings and other activities.
Larney has been secretary of the McKinley PTO for the past two years, and recently signed on to the Iola Rotary.
Her civic involvement also extends to Chanute, where she’s been active with the Main Street Chanute program the past several years, an organization dedicated to preserving Chanute’s downtown business district.
Larney also serves as an ambassador for the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce.
“There are H&R Block associates who strive every day to make a positive difference in people’s lives, whether it’s at the tax desk or in their community,” David Miles, H&R Block Foundation president, said in a press release. “We aim to recognize and celebrate those individuals.”
Larney was honored with a luncheon with Henry Bloch, co-founder and honorary chairman of H&R Block.
The Scout troop will be given $2,000, half of which will be given to the local Cub Scout organization. Another $2,000 will go to the McKinley PTO, and the final $1,000 will go to the Rotary club.
“I had four clubs in mind, but I was limited to three,” Larney said. “That was the most difficult part, deciding which ones to receive the money.”
’Tis the season of giving
