by Sequim Gazette Staff

Rotarian Jim Pickett, Sequim’s 2010 Citizen of the Year,was recognized by President Barack Obama with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for his efforts during 2010 to provide shelter for survivors of natural disasters around the world.

Pickett, a longtime supporter of ShelterBox, was the top fund raiser in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. Pickett said he has traveled to talk to more than 70 Rotary clubs, Lions clubs, and other groups to raise money for ShelterBoxes to house people such as the victims of the disastrous Haiti earthquake.

“The big push came after Haiti when people other than Rotarians began to purchase them (the ShelterBoxes),” he said.

While he was aware ShelterBox USA was going to enter him into the running, he was surprised to receive the award in the mail.

“It makes me feel very good and it makes me think it’ll help the Shelter Box organization and bring more awareness of what this whole thing is,” he said.