Longtime Volunteer Bill Loftis Wins Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award

Bill Loftis is a force to be reckoned with at Habitat Denver’s ReStore. For the past 12 years, Bill has volunteered 3-4 days each week with the ReStore metals recycling program, where last year the ReStores recycled 31 tons of donated materials. He ensures that the recycling area always has the necessary space, light, tools and materials.

Bill recently received the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award for his many years of outstanding service. The award honors individuals who make unique contributions to the community. Recipients get a $2,000 cash award to designate to a nonprofit agency of their choice. Bill donated his award to Habitat Metro Denver.

“It was great to feel so appreciated for my community volunteer efforts through the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award,” Bill shares. “It was an eye opener to read about Minoru’s life story of challenges and successes related to civil rights here in Denver and nationally.”

Friendly and focused, Bill is a leader among ReStore volunteers. According to Alice Goble, Habitat Metro Denver’s ReStore volunteer manager, “Bill is a kind, helpful and exemplary volunteer whose selflessness quietly impacts the lives of those in our organization.”

Bill serves as the liaison between ReStore staff and volunteers by staying current on best practices, keeping staff informed, and addressing issues within the program. He also plays a key role in training new volunteers and promoting Habitat Denver’s recycling efforts.

“I’m having a great time volunteering in the metals recycling area. Working with other volunteers and staff that are dedicated to the ReStore operations is a truly rewarding experience,” Bill says. “Plus, the social aspect of it makes my days.”

In addition to his role with Habitat Denver, Bill volunteers for several other organizations, including the Women’s Homelessness Initiative and Family Promise.