HELEN KENNEY Honored for service

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Helen Kenney enabled H.O.T.E.L. INC. to establish roots in the community and offer services that branched out to include anyone with a need.

On Monday afternoon, Kenney’s 25 years of service as the director of H.O.T.E.L. INC. was recognized by the planting of a Yoshino cherry tree in her honor.

A handful of friends and colleagues joined Kenney on Monday at Roland Bland Park for the ceremonial planting.

“People still come in and ask about her, and the story everyone has always starts with, ‘Let me tell you about what Helen did for me,’ ” said Terry Shoemaker, current H.O.T.E.L. INC. executive director.

Kenney retired last year from her position as director of Helping Others Through Extending Love In the Name of Christ, where she helped hundreds of needy clients receive food, employment and spiritual guidance.

The cherry tree was chosen with input from Kenney and was a gift to her to recognize her service.

“What a thoughtful way to honor someone,” said Kenney, adding that she is enjoying her retirement. “This is a beautiful tree, and it will be beautiful in the spring.”

The chilly fall afternoon brought together Kenney, Shoemaker, H.O.T.E.L. INC. board of directors president Donna Wolbe and former interim director Ernie Small among others to help celebrate Kenney’s years of work with the program.

Housed in the former Little Rock Presbyterian Church on Boatlanding Road, the nonprofit organization helps people in poverty by providing them with financial assistance in exchange for time volunteering for H.O.T.E.L. INC.

Also, the organization operates a Manna Mart food pantry stocked by contributions from churches and individuals, though an increase in demand for food has led in recent months to Shoemaker spending some of the organization’s funds on food.

Wolbe said Kenney’s tireless work, her meticulous record-keeping and her ability to connect with so many people have enabled H.O.T.E.L. INC. to thrive for so long.

“Because of your service and the hard work you did, Terry Shoemaker has a wonderful foundation to build on,” Wolbe said.

Small, who was H.O.T.E.L. INC.’s interim director for three months until Shoemaker was hired, said he was humbled by Kenney’s example and how her “indescribable faith” helped sustain the organization’s work.