The Trustees of The Salisbury Award are pleased to announce Jeff and Diana Merritt as the recipients of this year’s Salisbury Award.
In 2007 Jeff and Diana founded Operation We Care, a nonprofit which sends care packages to deployed troops, many of whom have connections to the local region. Additionally, Operation We Care supports local veterans, law enforcement, fire departments, and other first responders in the local community through various outreach efforts such as meal deliveries, fundraisers, hardship assistance, and appreciation events.
Now in its 19th year of service, Operation We Care sends over 2,000 care packages annually around the world. Their leadership unites people from all walks of life around a common purpose of supporting those who serve our community. Through their work they have made a difference not only on those who the organization serves, but they have taught many people young and old the value of giving back, patriotism, and how small acts can create a ripple of impact.
In addition to their service through Operation We Care, Jeff and Diana were longtime owners of Minuteman Press in Salisbury, Maryland. They have served with numerous organizations where they give of their time and talent, while also volunteering for many local causes and events that benefit the community. True to their selfless nature, they are seemingly incapable of saying no to a community cause, often responding with “we’ll find a way.”
In addition to receiving a plaque to memorialize their selection, the Merritts will select a charity of their choice to receive a $500 donation.
The Salisbury Award is the community’s oldest and most prestigious independent civic award. First given in 1926, the award was established and originally endowed by local businessman G. William Phillips to recognize “service that has been the greatest benefit to the happiness, prosperity, intellectual advancement or moral growth of the community”. Previous honorees include Avery Hall, Richard Henson, Frank Perdue, Dick Hazel, Sam Seidel, Paul Martin, Virginia Layfield, Mitzi Perdue, Lewis Riley, Pete Cooper, George Whitehead, Tony Sarbanes, Bill Ahtes, Ben’s Red Swings, and The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, The Magi Fund, Norm Conway, Bob Cook, The Greater Salisbury Committee, The Fruitland Community Center, Perdue Farms, The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wicomico Rotary Club, Marty Neat, MAC, Inc. and Don Taylor.
To learn more about The Salisbury Award and its history, including a list of all the honorees since 1926, please visit our Facebook page.
