OGDENSBURG -- The Society of the United Helpers gave out this year’s Margaret R. Spies Awards to three employees at their Canton and Ogdensburg facilities.

An announcement from the company said the recipients “embody the qualities looked for in direct care staff: dedication to the people they care for and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.”

This year’s awards went to Sue Thoms, a Mosaic direct service professional, Desiree Bartlett, a RiverLedge certified nurse aide and Lori Chilton, a Maplewood assisted living program home health aide.

The Spies Award was created in 2001 when Ann Spies donated to the Society of the United Helpers an endowment. She gave in memory of her mother, Margaret R. Spies, former resident of RiverLedge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and longtime Hammond school teacher.

“My mother was a wonderful, wonderful person and very social. When she came here the staff recognized how delightful she was, and I was always very pleased with the care, concern and love that she received,” Ann Spies said in a statement from United Helpers. “I thought something ought to be done to honor this wonderful staff.”

Mosaic program manager Michelle McGaw and nurse Sheri Sharpe introduced Thoms, who’s been with Mosaic for three years.

“Sue is always willing to step up to the plate,” McGaw said. “She has covered many shifts and volunteered to travel with residents that have required a hospital stay in Burlington. She is loved and by her residents and by her coworkers.”

Maplewood Administrator Kimberly McFaddin and Director of Nursing Lenette Deloney introduced Chilton, who’s been with United Helpers for one year.

“Lori has unlimited patience and a unique ability to calm and soothe,” McFaddin said. “She treats residents like members of her own family, taking care to note their favorite coat and what makes them comfortable. She is completely dedicated to her residents and I am so glad to have her on our team.”

Deloney said Chilton’s career path was not that of a traditional health care worker.

“Lori used to work in construction,” she said. “Her hands are softer now, but they have the strength to guide and support her residents and are strong enough to hold her team together. She is an asset to our team.”

Bartlett, who’s been employed by United Helpers for six years, was introduced by RiverLedge Administrator Tim Parsons.

“Desiree will greet you with a smile and a positive ‘can do’ attitude,” he said. “She puts others first and is always ready to go out of her way to help anyone.”

Spies recipients are nominated for the honor by their administrative team and their peers.