Brenda Lambert, whose efforts to improve the lives of Middle Georgians from school children to breast cancer patients, has been recognized as a Piedmont Macon Community Hero.

Fourteen years ago, Lambert launched the Backpack Ministry in Macon, providing food on the weekends to nine needy students at Lane Elementary School. Today, the program has grown exponentially with Lambert and as many as 400 volunteers now helping nearly 3,000 students in Bibb, Monroe and Twiggs counties each week.

The school-age food recipients are identified by leaders at their schools for being at-risk of not having adequate food when they’re not in school. Without the program, Backpack Ministry leaders say those children likely would go hungry.

“Brenda has such a servant’s heart,” said Ann Adkisson, who has worked with the Backpack Ministry since it started in 2011. “Brenda cannot say no. If there is a need, Brenda tries to meet it. Even when times were bad and we didn’t know if we could continue the program, God sustained us. We are blessed to have Brenda, and the community has really embraced us.”

Helping less fortunate children is just one way Lambert gives back to the community. As a former oncology nurse and breast cancer survivor, she’s also an original member of the United in Pink board of directors and still finds time to remain active with it as well. That organization, which celebrates 18 years later this year, provides financial and emotional resources to breast cancer patients and their families

“Brenda is always taking care of everybody. You don’t really see her doing anything for herself,” said Devin Hollis, associate director of United in Pink. “Brenda’s the person who sets the tone for everyone to step up. Everything she does is really intentional and focused on making everything around her better.”

Lambert is in charge of the service team, made up of the children and grandchildren of breast cancer survivors. That team works on community service projects as part of the annual Kids in Pink Summer Camp.

“She has such a go-getter personality,” Hollis said. “She does it all; you might see her laying down pine straw or you might see her baking cookies. Whatever she’s doing, it’s to help somebody.”

Regarding the Backpack Ministry, Hollis said Lambert never stops.

“Even if she’s out of the country, she’s emailing and coordinating,” Hollis said. “She eats, sleeps and breathes it. That’s what makes Brenda so special.”

Stephen J. Daugherty, CEO of Piedmont Macon Medical Center and Piedmont Macon North Hospital who presented Lambert with the award, said her community impact is immeasurable.

“Our community is stronger because of people like Brenda, who embodies the very best in us,” Daugherty said. “Her compassion for our children and for cancer survivors inspires us all to want to give back and make a positive difference.”

The Piedmont Macon Community Hero Award is presented quarterly to a deserving individual. After soliciting nominations from the community and hospital employees, Piedmont Macon’s executive leadership team selects a winner. Along with the award, the recipient also receives $500 for the charity or nonprofit organization of his or her choice. Lambert is the sixth recipient of the award.