Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 13, 1990 TAG: 9003133422
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
He has provided pencils and tablets to children whose parents couldn't afford to buy school supplies. He has provided free swim tickets for poor children so they could swim in the city's Fallon Park pool.
Pollash has borrowed buses from churches and taken needy children on a day's outing to a nearby lake.
It's not the kind of work that usually attracts a lot of public attention or even recognition.
So Pollash was surprised Monday night when Roanoke City Council named him the city's Citizen of the Year for his community and volunteer work as director of the Presbyterian Community Center in Southeast Roanoke.
He came to the council meeting because his minister, the Rev. James Allison of the Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, told him he should attend. But Pollash said he had no idea he would be honored.
His voice cracking with emotion, Pollash said, "This was totally unexpected and quite emotional for me."
Mayor Noel Taylor said Pollash has "touched the lives of hundreds of people," describing him as "much more than just an agency director."
Pollash exemplifies the Christian spirit of helping others, Taylor said. "In keeping with the Bible, we give honor tonight to those who deserve honor."
The Presbyterian Center, which was opened in the mid-1960s, provides help to needy people. It is supported largely by Presbyterian churches, but other denominations and friends also make contributions.
The center doesn't seek government funds or support because it wants to operate on the Christian philosophy of helping those who are in need, Taylor said.
Taylor said the center has been a visible source of help for many needy families and individuals, providing a broad range of aid. The center also works with many other community service agencies, providing them with space in its building at 1228 Jamison Ave. S.E.
In an interview several years ago, Pollash talked about his work as director of the center and his feeling for those who need help.
"This job has every possible human dilemma. Sometimes it seems unbelievable, the tragic situations people can get themselves into," he said.
"I don't care how poor a person is, that person is entitled to dignity and respect. These people are human beings. God made us all and he made us all different from one another," Pollash said.
"One of the problems today is we don't treat others as we would want them to treat us."
Taylor gave Pollash a plaque and a framed key to the city.
The award is given by council each year to recognize individuals for their contributions through volunteer work or in other ways. Council makes the final selection after a screening committee reviews nominations made by residents.
by CNB