Honoring Women of the Year: Donna Marshall

HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

of california

in the house of representatives

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Donna Marshall as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. For nearly three decades, Donna has served the Benicia community as a special education teacher and dedicated volunteer with numerous organizations, including Benicia Reads, Solano County Adopt-a-Poll, and the Lions Vision Clinic. In her current role as Co-Director of the Community Meal at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Donna exemplifies compassion and leadership through her work to address food insecurity and social isolation. By recruiting and training volunteers, coordinating meals, securing donations, and fundraising, Donna has helped grow the program from serving approximately 100 meals once a week to providing roughly 550 meals over two days each week. The Community Meal also distributes groceries and thousands of pounds of food each month to individuals and families in need. Donna has built meaningful partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and food providers that help sustain these efforts. Just as importantly, she has fostered an environment where every guest is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Donna's service extends throughout Benicia. As Treasurer of the Benicia Kiwanis Foundation, she helps support scholarships, literacy programs, food assistance, and other local initiatives. Her dedication has previously been recognized with a Community Service Award from the Kiwanis Club of Benicia. Donna has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to serving others and building a stronger, more caring community.

On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District,

it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Donna Marshall for her outstanding service and positive contributions to our community.