Ruth Henricks, the executive director of Special Delivery, was recently named one of the finalists for the Chargers Community Foundation’s Community Quarterback award.

The Community Quarterback Award program annually recognizes outstanding volunteers from throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties. Each year the foundation selects five finalists and one winner for the award, and all of them receive donations for their nonprofit organizations.

“Ruth is most deserving of this award,” said Kimberly Layton, director of community relations for the San Diego Chargers. “For over 13 years, she has been the guiding force behind the much-needed services of Special Delivery San Diego, an agency that has served more than 950,000 nutritious meals to over 2,500 people with AIDS in San Diego since its inception.”

The six finalists for the award were introduced on the field during the pre-game festivities of the Chargers and Packers game on December 14 and were recognized at an awards luncheon in the Players Lounge at Chargers Park last month.

“It was a wonderful experience,” Henricks said of being on the field prior to the game. “I have been down there before because Special Delivery was honored by the Padres, but this was different. … The atmosphere around a baseball game is totally different than the atmosphere around a football game. It was just so terribly exciting to be down there.”

Over 400 people from Imperial and San Diego counties applied for the award, which was narrowed down to the six finalists. Willis Peeler of the San Diego Food Bank’s Brown Bag Program won the top award and received a $10,000 donation for his organization. As one of the five finalists for the award, Henricks received a $2,000 donation for Special Delivery.

“It is most touching to receive this award,” Henricks said at a finalists’ luncheon with Chargers Hall of Famer Rolf Benirschke. “I am very honored and humbled considering that I was selected from over 400 nominees throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties.”

Other finalists for the Community Quarterback Award included Joy Glenner of George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers, Lt. Don Hunter of South Bay Community Services, Leslye Lyons of Words Alive and Amy Wandalowski of North County Serenity House.

For more information about Special Delivery or to learn about volunteer opportunities call (619) 297-7373.