By Michael Watkins

Photo by Kristen Bartlett, Gainesville, Fla.
Pay it forward - Karen Strasko volunteers each Saturday at Holmes Regional Hospital in Melbourne,  Fla. She also assists several other organizations in an effort to give back to her community. 

It wasn't that long ago that Karen Strasko - like the people she helps as a volunteer at The Daily Bread in Melbourne, Fla. - was clinging to hope and relying upon the kindness of those around her.

A New Jersey native who was raised as part of a middle-class family, she moved to a warmer climate to realize her dream as owner/operator of a Powerhouse gym in Clearwater, Fla.

But less than one year after her adventure began, her business failed and she found herself with very little money and no place to live. She was as close as she'd ever been to being one of the down-and-out people helped by the organization for which she is now an active board member.

"It had always been my dream to own my own business so when it didn't work out, it was very hard for me," said Strasko, now the manager of Quality Training at Rockwell Collins in Melbourne. "I returned to Melbourne with literally $200 to my name and no place to call home.

"Fortunately, I was able to live with friends," she continued. "I slept on their couch for several months until I earned enough [money] to get my own apartment and rebuild my life."

Giving back
Today, Strasko is back on her feet, and is giving back to her community as a way to show appreciation and thanks for all she has - and all she has been given.

An active board member for both the United Way of Melbourne and The Daily Bread - a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for the hungry and homeless - Strasko was honored recently as a finalist for the 2008 Rockwell Collins Good Citizenship Award.

She also volunteers each Saturday at Holmes Regional Hospital, and she spends time working with Easter Seals. In fact, she recruits support for the organization at Rockwell Collins.

"I was fortunate to have people in my life who were able to help me when I needed it, and I didn't have to live with my friends for very long," said Strasko, who joined Rockwell Collins in January of 2000. "Several years ago, I saw the movie Pay It Forward, and I truly believe that's what we should do for one another as human beings. We need to look out for and help each other whenever we can."

Upon arriving at Rockwell Collins eight years ago, Strasko quickly embraced our company's commitment to serve and give back to the communities in which we live and work. And, her efforts have not gone unnoticed.

"Karen has a tremendous passion for helping people, so when our company was looking for a candidate from our area to solicit for United Way contributions, she immediately came to mind," said Ellie Hoffman, manager of Quality Operations in Melbourne. "She is always doing something for someone else."

Hoffman and Melbourne Quality Instructor Jackie Petitti each nominated their colleague for the Good Citizenship Award without knowing the other was doing so.

"Karen's involvement with so many organizations that do so many great things for other people is amazing," said Petitti, who oftentimes finds herself motivated by Strasko's energy and commitment. "As soon as I saw the call for nominations, Karen popped into my head because of how much she gives back to others."

Tireless dedication
Strasko's tireless dedication to organizations like The Daily Bread is recognized far beyond the walls of Rockwell Collins. Those with whom she volunteers also have noted the time she spends assisting with grant applications, helping with organizational promotion and strategic planning, and arranging for leftover food pick-up from area supermarkets and fast food restaurants.

"Karen has a heart for the poor and can always be counted upon to pitch in whenever and wherever she's needed," said Paul Krantz, president of The Daily Bread Board. "She is definitely the kind of person you want involved with your organization; she brings so many ideas and suggestions for improvements. She also brings a strong corporate perspective to our organization, which has been a bonus."

In addition to her involvement, the modest manner in which Strasko commits her time to volunteer activities has left a lasting impression on those around her. In fact, when Hoffman proposed the idea of a celebration in Melbourne to honor Strasko's nomination for the Good Citizenship Award, Strasko quickly declined.

"I'm very honored to have received this recognition, but that's not why I [volunteer]," said Strasko, a former member of the Good Citizenship Award Selection Committee. "I do it because it makes me feel good to know that I'm helping others, and that their lives might be better because of my work.

"If every person would just do one thing for someone else - like the movie says - imagine the difference we could all make in the world," she continued. "It would be amazing."

- Michael Watkins is a freelance writer.