Have you ever received an email claiming that you were a winner? Perhaps it was a lottery, a drawing…and chances are it was headed straight to the trash.

That wasn’t the case with Leesburg resident Naomi Johnson, 27, after recently receiving an email from Dunkin Donuts.

“I got the email and I was like ‘what in the world is this about?’ I honestly thought it was spam,” Johnson said, who proceeded to ask a friend if they knew what it was.

It turns out the email was regarding the Dunkin Donuts “Thanks to You” Community Hero Award, an annual celebration of those who go above and beyond to help keep their community running every day. 

Johnson was nominated by college classmate and best friend Sarah Grosjean who had been contacted about the upcoming nomination, last year, through her blog Capitally Frugal.

“As soon as I found out about the opportunity she came to mind,” Grosjean said. “I guess I’ve been just amazed at the fact that she’s willing to work full-time and go to school full-time to become a nurse and she still [finds the time to] volunteer.”

Since October 2005, Johnson has volunteered as a driver and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at least once a week with the Purcellville Rescue Squad. She receives no compensation for her work and has given her up her personal time even on the holidays.

“I believe that people are created in the image of God and that we’re supposed to help one another so it’s kind of an outpouring of my faith and lifestyle,” Johnson said. “It fits with me unlike anything else I’ve done. It just works really well. I’m good at it and I enjoy it at the same time. I’ve been really really grateful for that.”

This past summer, Johnson graduated from college and continues to volunteer her time. She also works as a nurse at the Inova Loudoun Hospital Lansdowne Campus while continuing her education through programs offered by her employer.

Fortunately, Johnson was able to find the time to attend the award ceremony last Monday, Feb. 6, where she was presented with a $250 American Express gift card and one year of free coffee and donuts. She was one of ten local winners from the Metropolitan Washington DC area.

“I didn’t know whether they were going to pick her so I didn’t want to get her hopes up,” Grosjean said, who tried her best to keep the nomination a secret.  “I’m very grateful that Dunkin Donuts offered this award.”

“It just completely surprised me,” Johnson said. “I know so many people that, I feel, are more deserving of it than I am but I’m really grateful.

“I think it’s really cool that people are actively trying to recognize people who are helping their community and making a difference,” Johnson added. “I think that means a lot.”

The Dunkin' Donuts "Thanks to You" Community Hero Award was designed to recognize ten remarkable individuals for their dedication to their communities. The finest police officers, firemen, teachers, members of the military, and volunteers were nominated by their families, friends, and co-workers to receive this distinguished honor. To learn more visit http://www.dunkinheroes.com/.

Editor’s note: Each month, Leesburg Patch will feature a profile of someone who has made a significant impact on his or her community. If you know someone who should be recognized email the editor.