AARP Pennsylvania recently named three Lehigh Valley women, one of which is a Whitehall resident, as the winners of a special Local Hero promotion, recognizing outstanding community service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The winners were chosen from more than 25 individuals nominated by members of the community through AARP’s Local Hero contest in May. Each winner received a $100 Visa gift card.

“We are pleased to shine a light on unsung friends and neighbors who are going above and beyond to help care for others during this public health crisis,” AARP State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh said. “AARP salutes all the everyday heroes who are selflessly making personal sacrifices to improve the community and lives of others.”

The AARP Local Hero winners are listed below.

Lana Snyder, of Whitehall, is dedicated to ensuring Whitehall residents have access to food. She has been a local Meals on Wheels volunteer for 34 years and coordinates volunteers for Whitehall Food Pantry. During the pandemic, Snyder has organized drive-thru food distributions at her church every Thursday for seniors, adults and children.

Emily Dotter, of Orefield, is a kindergarten teacher in Parkland School District. When the pandemic forced lessons online, she launched a daily read-along book program that has grown into a YouTube video series used by all kindergarten-third grade classes at her school. Dotter spent four hours delivering ice cream to the homes of her students when her lessons covered the letter I and invited parents and students to be part of a drive-by parade at her home, complete with signs and banners.

Antje Schwartz, of Coopersburg, is a nurse at an area hospital. During the pandemic, Schwartz worked directly with COVID-19 patients, including providing compassionate care for many at the end of their lives. Fearing for her family’s safety due to possible exposure, she chose to distance herself from her husband and school-age children for six weeks, until regular testing was mandated for her work unit. She is also an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Boy Scouts and Camelot for Children.