The Hollister Youth Alliance will bestow its first ever
Community Hero Award on a long-time Hollister resident known for
his work with the needy.
Hollister – The Hollister Youth Alliance will bestow its first ever Community Hero Award on a long-time Hollister resident known for his work with the needy.
Marley Holte, 79, is best known for his Holiday Dinners, which feed hundreds of people each year. But he has also spent more than 20 years helping San Benito County’s homeless. Earlier this year, Holte secured backing from the Hollister City Council, the San Benito County Board of Supervisors and other local nonprofits to put together a homeless task force with the goal of opening a shelter.
“His enduring commitment to children, youth and families in need has been an inspiration to many and has resulted in long-lasting change,” the Hollister Youth Alliance wrote in a press release. “Marley has shown leadership in seeking services and providing assistance to some of our county’s most vulnerable people.”
Holte was surprised to be selected for the accolade.
“It’s a big honor, I was taken aback,” he said. “It’s an honor to be recognized for this, but I never did this for the recognition. I’ve always done it because it needed to be done.”
County Supervisor Pat Loe, who has been working with Holte on creating the homeless shelter, wasn’t surprised he was tapped for the honor.
“Marley has worked for many years for the betterment of the community,” she said. “He is very driven.”
Holte’s Holiday Dinners have become a tradition for many San Benito County residents. Thanksgiving dinner usually draws 300 to 400 people, and at Christmas Holte has his hands full with more than 600 people.
The Holiday Dinners began in 1985 and have continued ever since. The annual dinners, which have more than doubled in size since their inception, are funded entirely by donations from area businesses and community members. Holte said the success of the dinners is the result of widespread community support.
“This is a great county,” he said. “The people are very giving.”
Holte will accept the award on Dec. 1 at 11:30am during a special celebration hosted by the Hollister Youth Alliance at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. The event is open to the public, but reservations are required as seating is limited. For reservations call (831) 801-2530.
Brett Rowland covers education for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or br******@fr***********.com
