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The MICA Humanitarian of the Year Award has become one of the most prestigious awards on Marco Island. This valued award was developed in 1998 to honor the unsung heroes of Marco Island, the people who do so much for so many. The wonderful, positive people you do not hear much about.

Past recipients of this prestigious award include: Mimi Torbush, Shirlee and Brian Barcic, Ward Bradeen, D’Ann and David Brandt, Dr. Sam and Mary Ann Durso, Judy and Arturo Perez, Maury Dailey, Art Segal, Stevi Walthour, Luise Romano and Jane Williams. Some have worked on behalf of organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis, and Meals on Wheels. Others have worked behind the scenes supplying food for those less fortunate or counseling fellow cancer patients.

Before a crowd of approximately 150 MICA members the Marco Island Civic Association presented its 2008 Humanitarian of the Year Award on Jan. 30 to a very special person with a big heart and a passion for helping the young members of our extended community. Last week Karen Saeks was stunned to hear the story of how she began “Bedtime Bundles” being broadcast over the sound system by MICA’s Past President Jim Arnold. Karen thought she was attending MICA’s Annual Meeting to see her friend receive this award!

Karen Saeks’ early life was not an easy one. She was raised by a single mother, and when she was just a child, a basket of food was left anonymously on the doorstep of the home that she shared with her mother and two sisters. She worked hard and put herself through school and finally graduated from college and nursing school while in her 30’s. As an RN our honoree worked for years nurturing, supporting, and helping others. She later met and married a wonderful doctor, Ed, who has supported and worked along with her.

Upon their retirement a few years ago, the Saeks moved to Marco Island. Accustomed to a busy schedule and with time on her hands, Karen began volunteering at Manatee Elementary School. Our Humanitarian met the children of migrant workers at Manatee School, who would inspire her to do what others had done for her so many years earlier. She learned that there are innocent children who are the unfortunate victims of circumstance. The children of migrant farm works live in camps with multiple families in tiny trailers, most with holes in the floors, broken windows and no furniture. They sleep on bare floors with little or no bedding.

Farm workers crisscross the country, traveling from crop to crop. Each time they must leave behind whatever personal belongings they have, keeping them in a constant state of need. Karen was shocked to discover that there were hundreds of these children living practically in our backyard, where we live so comfortably and then some.

Karen knew that a program that could provide the children with necessities could really make a difference. That’s when Bedtime Bundles was born. It was inspired by a program of the same name in Cincinnati, Ohio. The “bundle” consists of a pillowcase filled with basic items and enables them to carry these possessions with them wherever they go.

As there are hundreds of children who need help, our Humanitarian enlisted her friends and neighbors who share her concern for these innocent children. In just about a year and a half, Bedtime Bundles has grown greatly. Hundreds of Bedtime Bundles have been distributed, but Karen’s not done! Karen Saeks, MICA’s Humanitarian of the Year, is a true inspiration to everyone around her. She is hard working and takes her task very seriously.

You can join your neighbors and help the children, too, by donating a Bedtime Bundle. What’s in a bundle? Diapers or pull ups, baby wipes, powder, pacifier, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and shampoo, wash cloth and towel, pajamas, socks, underwear, sweatshirt or sweater, blanket or throw, and a book, toy or stuffed animal. Reach into your heart and fill a new or gently used pillowcase with the above appropriate items for an infant through a 17 year old, either boy or girl. Karen extended the age limit to include the older teens because she believes they are the most at risk. So don’t forget the teenagers in your bundles!

If you don’t have time to shop, you can still help. You can send a check or gift certificate to Bedtime Bundles, 1061 S Collier Boulevard, Unit 501, Marco Island, FL 34145. Gift certificates may be purchased at any of the following locations: Publix, Wynn Dixie, CVS, Walgreens, Bealls, Target, KMart or Wal-Mart. Please feel free to drop your bundle or donation at the MICA office at 1770 San Marco Road, Unit 204, or call Karen Saks to arrange for pickup at 398-5179.

Congratulations, Karen Saeks, MICA’s Humanitarian of the Year, and we thank you for all you do to help the youngest members of our community!