The Woodbury City Council recognized John Schleis with the 2025 EXCEL Community Partnership Award during its meeting Wednesday for his work coordinating Gifts for Seniors, a 31-year-old organization serving the 10-county metro area.

Schleis, who has served as coordinator for approximately three years, described the organization's mission of providing basic needs and resources to seniors throughout the region. The program operates through a network of more than 100 donation barrels placed at locations including Menards stores, where community members can contribute items for seniors in need.

The organization partners with local programs including Meals on Wheels and the Gladstone Community Education Center to distribute seasonal gift bags and holiday presents. Jordue, adult senior programs coordinator at Gladstone Community Education Center, explained how she connected with Gifts for Seniors in December 2023 after finding their website and working with Carolyn Jeter to establish the partnership.

Schleis reported that the organization distributed more than 8,000 gifts during its November and December holiday program last year. He emphasized that for some recipients, these may be the only gifts they receive, with each item including a personal note. The program offers spring and fall gift bags, with fall bags focusing on safety items, in addition to the holiday distribution.

The recognition highlighted the organization's impact through partnerships that extend social connections to seniors. According to Schleis, the collaboration with Meals on Wheels provides additional social visits while delivering gifts, reaching seniors who might otherwise have limited contact with community programs.