An ISU staff member has been recognized by the city of Ames for doing what makes her “feel better.”

Barbara Woods, extension specialist with the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, is this year’s recipient of the City of Ames Humanitarian Award.

The annual award recognizes one member of the Ames community who has stood out in the area of community service and volunteerism.

Woods is actively involved with United Way of Story County, where she served as president and board member, as well as Habitat for Humanity and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

“I’ve always participated in things to help people,” Woods said. “[Doing community service] makes me feel better.”

Award recipients must demonstrate participation in a high number of activities that promote understanding between different peoples, involvement in human relations, significant length of time spent on human relations efforts, and an impact in promoting a diverse community.

The award was bestowed upon Woods by the City of Ames Human Relations Commission on Sept. 26, and presented to her during the FACES Celebration Oct. 5 in a ceremony at the City Auditorium.

Woods said that some of her inspiration to help other people comes from her memories of her grandfather.

“My grandfather would always help people but never really expect anything in return,” she said.

Woods was nominated for the award by numerous people who work with her during her many volunteer efforts.

Among those who nominated her was Howard Johnson, a former ISU professor.

“I first knew her from church,” Johnson said. “I knew that she had been active in several [human relations] offices in town, and when I started to gather information about her, I was sure she was the one.”

Johnson said he entered Woods’ nomination five days before the commission’s Sept. 26 session that determined the award recipient.

“I don’t know where she gets it, but she has just a huge passion for helping people,” Johnson said.

To support Woods’ nomination, people who had worked with her on her many projects wrote numerous letters of support.

Among these supporters was Anjeanette Perkins, executive director of Story County Habitat for Humanity.

“She’s energetic and hard-working, and committed to community building activities,” Perkins said of Woods. “Part of the diversity of Ames is economic.

“Through Barbara’s participation with Habitat, we’d like to get low-income families to live in Ames, instead of just upper- and middle-class families.”

Though involved in leadership positions, Woods isn’t above doing jobs like cleaning or building, and is very generous with her time, Perkins said.

“She even occasionally works with the Des Moines Habitat for Humanity,” said Perkins. “We just don’t have enough houses for her in Ames.”

Woods said she also encourages others to participate in activities that help their community.

“Sometimes it can be difficult because some people are always saying they’re too busy,” she said. “I say you can do something when you aren’t busy. Volunteerism is a way to get everybody to work together.”