PORTSMOUTH — The United Way is shining a spotlight on local residents and nonprofits working to strengthen their communities.

The organization’s new Rhode Island Hope Award will be presented annually to outstanding nonprofits and volunteers whose service has made a significant impact across the state.

This year’s Portsmouth honorees are local historian Gloria Schmidt, Conley Zani of Common Fence Point, and the Aquidneck Food Pantry.

To select recipients, United Way asked state legislators to nominate volunteers and organizations from their districts. Awards were presented recently during a State House ceremony attended by numerous lawmakers, as well as U.S. Reps. Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo and Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore.

State Sen. Linda Ujifusa, D-Dist. 11 (Portsmouth, Bristol), nominated Schmidt for her extensive research into local history and her dedication to sharing it with the public.

“Besides researching and writing the incredible Portsmouth, R.I. History Notes blog, Gloria is a tireless educator and event organizer for multiple groups including the Battle of Rhode Island and the Portsmouth Historical Society,” Ujifusa said. She also nominated the Benjamin Church Senior Center in Bristol.

State Rep. Michelle McGaw nominated Zani, citing her wide-ranging efforts to build community in Portsmouth. (Editor’s note: McGaw is married to Jim McGaw, editor of The Portsmouth Times.)

“Conley has been instrumental in making significant infrastructure improvements to the Common Fence Point Community Hall and revitalizing the community outreach the center provides,” McGaw said. “From writing grants to teaching a Zumba class, Conley takes action at every level to help build a sense of community. She also volunteers to support improvements at VFW Post 5390 and hosts Portsmouth This Week, a local YouTube channel that keeps residents informed.”

McGaw also nominated the Aquidneck Food Pantry for its volunteers’ dedication to addressing hunger on the island.

“This organization originated in the summer of 2020 to meet the needs of local residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “When federal funding was no longer available, volunteers took on the challenge to keep the pantry open. Initially known as the St. John’s Lodge Food Bank, it changed its name in September 2024 to the Aquidneck Food Pantry. While the name changed, the mission has not.”

“I am so grateful for our local volunteers working to bring our community together and meet the needs of our neighbors,” she added.