Angela McDermott was named as the 2010 recipient of the Mother Bonzel Award.

The honor, which is given annually to a Saint Francis Medical Center employee to honor their volunteerism in the community, was presented to McDermott on Tuesday at Saint Francis. McDermott is a registered nurse and manager for the cardiac catheterization lab.

“Considering all of the winners who came before me and everyone who was nominated, I was just happy to even be considered,” McDermott said. “Everybody is doing such wonderful things in our community, so to be selected is an honor for me — it really is.”

In November, McDermott celebrated her 15th year working at Saint Francis. She is an excellent example of a person who gives back to her community in so many ways as she is one of the co-founders of the ministry “Pocket Change for Charity.”

On her own time, McDermott has helped with nine events since April 2007, raising more than $40,000 for various charities in the community, including Hope Harbor, Central Nebraska Community Services, Third City Community Clinic, the Crisis Center, Heartland CASA, Red Cross, Heartland United Way, Salvation Army and the Humane Society.

McDermott said her motivation for being involved with so many charitable causes is simple.

“When we go and take the checks to the different charities and see their faces when they get the check, that’s what does it for me,” McDermott said. “Knowing that we’re making a difference for them, whether it’s a new air conditioner or supplies, that’s what makes it all worth it for me. There’s no amount of money or anything else you can get that beats knowing that you have helped somebody in that way.”

McDermott also worked on a project that sent nearly 200 scrubs, donated by Saint Francis, to medical personnel in Afghanistan. In addition, McDermott volunteers at her church.

“Angela is an excellent example of what people can do for their community,” said Angela Wheeler, who is a member of the Mother Bonzel Award selection committee. “She deserves a big thank you for the time she gives.”

The other nominees for the Mother Bonzel award included Sandy Adams, Michael Kingsley, Regina Rathman and Cheryl Sims.