Jonesboro, AR, August 25, 2010 – Altrusa International of Jonesboro, Inc., the local club of the global professional service organization, has named Karen Gallo as its ‘Altrusan of the Year.’ The honor is voted upon by the club’s membership and is awarded annually to the Altrusan who has gone above and beyond in their commitments to the club and the local community. Ms. Gallo has been an Altrusa member since 2003 and most recently the chair of the literacy committee. With the organization’s stated commitment to literacy, Ms. Gallo has served on that committee for several years managing projects that include ‘Books for Babies’ a program with St. Bernards maternity facility and coordinating the club’s ‘Books for Second Graders’ project which yearly selects a school and provides free books for each second grade student. She also sits on the Altrusa Board and is committed to the principle of giving back to her community.

“The thing I like best about Altrusa is the diverse projects and charitable organizations we are involved with,” said Ms. Gallo.  “I respect and support the premise that Altrusan’s work for others and not solely for their own causes.”   

Karen’s other community service is varied. She is a committed worker in the fight against breast cancer and, for the last nine years, has walked as a Pink Warrior in the Little Rock ‘Race for the Cure.’ In addition, as a loving parent of 5 cats and 4 dogs, she is an active member of the NEA Humane Society. This year also marks Ms. Gallo’s 25 anniversary working for Syngenta Seeds.