Courtesy PhotoDenise DiMarzo
Empire Elementary School receptionist Denise DiMarzo was nominated as an Unsung Hero by Principal Evelyn Allred and teacher LeAnn Morris for DiMarzo's coordination of Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and gifts for needy students at the school.
"She took it upon herself to start collecting food and clothing to help ensure that the students would not go without," the nomination reads. "Through her amazing efforts, Denise structured the distribution of Thanksgiving meals for 75 families, Christmas meals for 85 families and adopted 300 children for Christmas gifts."
DiMarzo also helps with the Food for Thought program that provides food for needy students to take home for the weekend.
"Denise single-handedly organized and executed all the above programs for the benefit of Empire Elementary School students. Denise is our hero," the nomination states. "Empire Elementary School is a better place because of what she does to help our students each day."
DiMarzo said she was thrilled about her nomination.
"I'm very exited and I'm terribly honored," she said. "I can't wait until the breakfast."