Clifton Gardner

At nearly 90 years-old, Clifton Gardner of Okeechobee, Florida works tirelessly for his church’s food pantry, the Masonic Child Identification program, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Christmas Campaign.

Gardner, a lifelong volunteer, is part of a small community with a large need for assistance to its low-income population. As a member of the Okeechobee Masonic Lodge, Gardner has recruited and trained volunteers so they too can continue the spirit of volunteering in the Okeechobee community. In addition, he spearheads an annual awards dinner to recognize volunteers and their efforts, and works with members of his masonic lodge to provide college scholarships to local high school students.