(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, announced the winners of this year’s “Angel of Christmas.” This year, there were two “Angels” receiving the award: Atlantic Food Pantry volunteers, Sharon Sandhorst and Dr. Ken Burkhart.

The Chamber says the title, “Angel of Christmas” recognizes and thank area residents who symbolize the true meaning of the season. Angels exemplify the true holiday spirit all year long – putting others first, spreading generosity and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone they meet. The title is sponsored by Cass Health.

During the presentation, Cass Health CEO Brett Altman said, of Sandhorst and Dr. Burkhart, “We just really appreciate your kindness, your compassion, your willingness to help other people. day in and day out- giving of your time and your help.” He added, “Cass Health is privileged to sponsor this every year, and we’ll tell you that we had several great nominations, but you guys stood out.”

From left to right: Atlantic Food Pantry Volunteers, Dr. Ken Burkhart and Sharon Sandhorst, Cass Health CEO Brett Altman (Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce photo)

Sandhorst and Burkhart were nominated by Barbara Lytte, and she explained in her nomination letter why the two should receive the title.

“Sharon Sandhorst has volunteered for the food pantry for many years,” Lytte wrote in the letter. “She puts in countless hours weekly to make sure everything runs smoothly. You could call her the ‘office manager’ of sorts. Paperwork, counting, bagging, almost (becoming) a full time (volunteer) job for her. And all without complaints. Sharon gives and gives and expects no thanks and no recognition in return.”

“Dr. Ken Burkhart was in charge of our local food pantry,” Lytte wrote in the letter. “After many, many years of managing the big endeavor, he finally stepped down in October of this year. He handled it all any time of the day. He lined up and scheduled the volunteers that helped out in the pantry. He was there when the Food Bank of Iowa truck delivered. He helped pick up donations from local businesses. He fielded phone calls. He ordered the food that is handed out weekly. He knew the patrons that came to the pantry and he knew their food favorites. If a business donated desserts, he knew who liked what desserts. If it was a large family, he made sure there was an adequate amount of food for the family. He calmly listened to complaints and tried to rectify the issue. He treated each and every patron with dignity and always with a smile. He was always caring and compassionate to all of us that volunteered and worked with him. He knows and exemplifies the true meaning of “giving back to others.”