Pictured: Kustra loading her vehicle after one of the many successful drives she organizes in Carroll
A well-known Carroll philanthropist, Luanne Kustra, has been selected to receive the 2022 Iowa Adult Citizen of Character Award from the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. Kustra’s dedication to helping others shows in all aspects of her life. Kustra began her career in Carroll in 1983 at Region XII Council of Governments with the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Unit and later became a social worker with St. Anthony Regional Hospital and Nursing Home. Kustra’s volunteer work outside of her career is extensive. From hosting the Holly Jolly Reading Drive every year to collect books for New Opportunities to the annual Stuff the Bus Campaign to collect donations for local food pantries, Kustra’s impact on the community is felt by many. CJ Niles, who has served on the Character Counts in Iowa Board since its creation in 1997, says the award was made to recognize Iowans like Kustra.
Kusta was recognized by the Carroll Chamber of Commerce with the 2020 Humanitarian of the Year Award for her commitment to the community. Region XII Executive Director, Rick Hunsaker, presented Kustra that award and also penned one of Kustra’s nomination letters for the Character Counts in Iowa award.
Kustra says helping others has been a central pillar of her life for as long as she can remember, but she never did it for the recognition, let alone at such a high level.
Kustra will formally receive the 2022 Adult Citizen of Character Award during the Iowa Character Awards Ceremony on July 29 at the Prairie Meadows Event Center in Altoona. The date for an award presentation in Carroll has not yet been set.
