New England Patriots Hall of Famer Andre Tippett and Kara Buckley, a corporate vice-president, congratulate Joan LeMay of Derby for her community service.
ANSONIA – After working nine to five for most of her life and raising five kids to boot, Joan LeMay wasn’t about to retire to a rocking chair.
Instead, LeMay, now 81, decided to devote her newfound free time to volunteerism. For the past 14 years, LeMay has spent a couple days a week volunteering at My Sister’s Place, a BH Care program that sells new and gently used clothing, furniture, housewares, toys and more, with all the proceeds benefiting the Valley’s domestic violence center, The Umbrella.
LeMay’s dedication to creating vibrant displays in the store, unloading inventory and interacting with customers – whether they’re survivors of domestic violence in need of items to help adjust to a new life, or just everyday shoppers looking for a bargain – hasn’t gone unnoticed.
LeMay, a Derby resident, was recently named one of 26 volunteers from across New England by the Kraft Family and New England Patriots Foundation. For her devotion to volunteerism, LeMay was presented with a $10,0000 donation for The Umbrella.
An awards ceremony took place June 6 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., where LeMay and the other volunteers were recognized as the 2024 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winners.
According to a press release, the Kraft Family and the New England Patriots Foundation have recognized volunteers for going above and beyond to give back to their communities since 1998. The award is named in memory of Myra Kraft, the late wife of Robert Kraft, chairman and CEO of the Patriots.
“Every year, nonprofit organizations across New England put forth candidates that demonstrate what volunteerism and giving back truly is and who represent the very best of our community,” said Kraft in a press release. “My late wife Myra, of blessed memory, was passionate about giving back and making a difference in people’s lives. I am proud to see her legacy of volunteerism upheld through these awards, celebrating those who selflessly serve their communities as true Community MVPs.”
LeMay said it was a thrill and a shock to learn she’d been chosen for the MVP award and to visit the stadium for the first time. She said it made her heart happy to earn the $10,000 donation for The Umbrella.
“It’s been a very humbling experience,” LeMay told the Valley Indy during a recent interview. “Being at Gillette Stadium for the first time, it was absolutely overwhelming, and they did a really beautiful job. I called my son and said, bet you never met Robert Kraft!”
LeMay was nominated for the award by Melissa Simoni, The Umbrella’s development coordinator.
“Joan’s unwavering commitment and hard work shine brightly in her role at the organization,” Simoni said in a prepared statement. “Joan’s attention to detail and consistent updates have not only met but surpassed sales targets, with last year’s sales exceeding over a half a million dollars and contributing over $100,000 to The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.”
In addition, Simoni said LeMay creates a welcoming shopping experience and assists more than 100 individuals and families affected by domestic violence by providing them with essentials from the store.
“These individuals and families are often seeking safety at our emergency shelter, arriving with only a few belongings,” Simoni said. “Joan’s kindness and empathy shine through as she assists these individuals in acquiring necessities for job interviews, kitchen essentials and school clothes for their children. Her warm smile and support not only benefit our customers but also brighten our community as a whole.”
LeMay said about a year and half after retiring, she was looking for something to do. She found My Sister’s Place, located at 380 Main St., to be a perfect fit.
“I didn’t want to sit around and be complacent and I felt there wasn’t enough attention being given to domestic violence,” LeMay said. “I knew I wanted to do something for one of the nonprofits in the Valley.”
Interacting with customers and making the store a friendly place to shop and browse is important to LeMay.
“I’ve gotten to know so many of our customers who come in weekly,” LeMay said. “One experience that really touched my heart is when a young fellow came into the store with a couple of bags of donations. He said My Sister’s Place helped him when he was going through a very difficult time in his life, and he wanted to give back. It was very touching.”
LeMay can be found at My Sister’s Place volunteering on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and she’s honored her efforts have contributed in some small way to helping others.
