Theresa Pierog, of South Whitehall Township, was recently honored as part of the Lehigh County Aging and Adult Service’s 21st annual tribute to Unsung Heroes.

This tribute honors older adults in the Lehigh Valley who have displayed exceptional generosity with their time and talents to enrich the lives of others in the community.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, honorees received certificates of recognition, flowers, a pin and yard sign delivered to their homes.

According to her tribute:

“Theresa Pierog moved to Cedar View Apartments just as the pandemic was locking everything down.

“It’s a tough way to begin a new chapter in your life.

“I met her when she signed her lease to talk about the meal program offered through the county for seniors in the community, and I immediately noticed a quiet strength about her.

“She had not lived in the area for a while, and was moving back to the Lehigh Valley.

“Things were different from when she had lived here last.

“When the senior center opened back up for in-person meals, she came down for lunch a few times and met some of the other residents.

“She was quiet, but observant.

“She came to me one day to ask if she could volunteer in any way in the center. She had seen people with walkers helping out, and decided since she was fully capable, she could help, too.

“She started helping to serve in the senior center immediately!

“Additionally, she would let me know if there was a neighbor interested in more information on the meals.

“The senior centers closed again in November, and so the social aspect of lunch with neighbors was put on hold again.

“Fast forward a few months, and knowing that Theresa is an active person, and likes to keep busy, I asked her how she would feel about helping in the senior center again delivering meals to the apartments upstairs.

“She liked the idea, and has helped to deliver meals to the residents on very busy days.

“If I had to choose three qualities for Theresa that make her the wonderful person she is, I’d say she is courageous, compassionate and engaged.

“She took on the challenge of starting over in a changed community by getting involved, and caring for others.

“She is a joy to have helping us in the center, and her compassion for her neighbors in need has helped to relieve some of the stress those neighbors were feeling about food and family during the pandemic.

“For these reasons, I believe her to be a true Unsung Hero!”