What: Ben’s Bells promote kindness and community involvement. Each week a person who makes Tucson better is “belled.”
Last week’s recipient: Fran Koukal.
Nominated by: Ruth Biedermann.
Why: For her dedicated volunteer work at the United Nations Association of Southern Arizona Center. She began volunteering at the store in 2005 helping to raise funds for UNICEF.
Her first assignment was to assist customers with their shopping needs. Her smile and friendly personality was a big hit with customers, wrote Biedermann in her nomination letter. They felt at ease browsing and shopping.
One of Koukal’s major contributions to the UNA Center was gift-wrapping. She noticed that jewelry gift purchases were not wrapped in any special way. She began sewing small drawstring gift bags to offer jewelry customers.
Koukal bought fabrics and accepted donated fabrics from other volunteers for her endeavor. The bags are well-constructed and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Customers can select the bag of their choice for their purchase. So far this year, Koukal, at 92, has created 1,068 gift bags.
“Fran’s support of the United Nations Association of Southern Arizona Center’s dedication to the UNICEF cause is exemplary,” Biedermann wrote.
More info and to nominate someone: Go to bensbells.org/BellingForm to submit a name. Go to bensbells.org or call 622-1379 for more information.
