BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. — US LBM has named Jannette Valdez, inside sales representative at US LBM's Wallboard Supply Company, as its 2022 Humanitarian Award Recipient for her outstanding community involvement and charitable work. Valdez is also the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the US LBM Foundation, which she has elected to be awarded to the Nashua Police Athletic League (PAL).

Motivated by her own personal hardships, Valdez has chosen a life of giving back, dedicating time and resources to charitable organizations that support women, children and the homeless in her community. A few of the organizations she is involved with are Queen's Closet, which provides business clothes to those searching for work, and Revive Recovery, organizing food drives for people in recovery while they get back on their feet. She is also a youth cheer coach through the Nashua PAL.

"During a difficult time in my life, the kindness of people in my community meant so much to me," says Valdez. "I try to instill that message of kindness in my children and get them involved in service to others whenever I can. I am grateful to US LBM for the recognition and hope this can only continue to build support for the organizations that I am involved with in the Nashua, N.H. community."

Valdez has chosen to allocate her $10,000 grant awarded by the US LBM Foundation to the Nashua PAL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching youth the values and rewards that can be accomplished through self-determination, teamwork and respect. PAL works in collaboration with the Nashua Police to support its mission of connecting kids with police through positive interactions and serves over 2,000 youths in Southern New Hampshire through a variety of athletic, education, recreation and enrichment activities.

"Nashua PAL is proud of Jannette, and grateful for everything she does to positively impact the Nashua community," said Shaun Nelson, Nashua PAL's executive director. "US LBM's generous donation of $10,000 will directly support critical youth programming, such as free afterschool and summer care provided to 300-plus youth in Greater Nashua; a cross country program in every elementary school in Nashua; and many other impactful youth programs."

US LBM President and CEO L.T. Gibson said US LBM's mission is to create exceptional value for all stakeholders while making a positive impact on communities, associates and the environment.

"Extraordinary associates like Jannette demonstrate the very best of US, and allow us to reach into our local communities, make a positive difference and support organizations such as the Nashua Police Athletic League," said Gibson. "The US LBM Foundation is honored to provide the funds to Jannette's chosen charity, the Nashua Police Athletic League."