Cast a Vote Worth $1,000 for Local Meals on Wheels

has nominated one of its longtime volunteers in a contest that could net the local chapter $1,000 for meals for its low-income clients.

Betty Duffy, 85, of Whitehall is one of 24 nominees in the Meals on Wheels Association of America's annual American Volunteer Contest, which is held through Facebook.

Duffy has been volunteering with the local Meals on Wheels chapter for 41 years -- ever since the program began in February 1971. She also volunteers with Meals on Wheels of Northampton County, her church and at IronPigs games. She also is a blood donor who has given gallons of blood. 

"Betty truly deserves this award," Michele Grasso, development director for Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County, said in an e-mail.

If Duffy wins, the local chapter will receive $1,000 to provide meals for low-income clients.

To vote for Duffy, log into your Facebook account and paste: https://apps.facebook.com/americanvolunteer/entry/341221. You may be asked to log in again once you press vote for this entry. 

Duffy, in her entry video, talks about her involvement with Meals on Wheels.

The voting closes at 5 p.m. on Aug. 21.

In addition to the chapter receiving $1,000, the winner of the American Volunteer Contest will win the annual Jody Tepedino Nicholo Award, which will be presented at a conference in Maryland. Second place is $750 for the winner's chapter and third place is $500 for the winner's chapter.