The Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation is pleased to honor Scott and Kelly Zielke as recipients of the 28th Annual Christmas Spirit Award. This award is given to those who exemplify the Spirit of Christmas by giving of themselves to others all throughout the year. They are the hands and feet on the ground for all things.

Scott and Kelly Zielke are the types of individuals that we all strive to emulate. They find purpose in life through investing themselves in the lives of others and actively seek ways to serve their community each and every day. They are active members of a variety of groups in the area and will volunteer for the task at hand, whether it is Face Painting at Kiwanis Kid’s Day, leading the worship service for “Walk to Christ” or cleaning up trash along Highway 395. Taking ownership in the community and seeking ways to improve it through their involvement, they are often the first to raise their hands. As a nominator stated: “You need a ride to an appointment in Portland?…They reschedule their days and take you; Wood needed to keep you warm?…they find it, split it, and deliver it to your door; Warm soup and the dignity of a conversation whether you are at home, on the street or in between?…enter the Zielkes!”

“Scott and Kelly also facilitate grief groups in local churches and county prisons, sing at the bedside of the dying and sponsor several regional and international ministries. All this kindness and sacrifice is practiced as both attend to their own unique medical needs with great faith and courage. It also comes with prayer: every encounter with these two people ends in a prayer which they prompt and provide. Always.”

In a separate nomination, the appreciation continues,

“Very compassionate people. Both are always willing to help anyone in need. They have always been available for me and my family, and I’m sure countless other families in our community. They both embody the spirit of Christmas not only by their giving, but by their close walk with God.”

It is for these reasons that Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation, which strives to make our community a better place to live, has selected Scott and Kelly Zielke as the 2023 Christmas Spirit Award recipients.