[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 34 (Friday, February 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING DELLA HAMMOND, LAPEER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 20, 2026

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Della Hammond, 
the 2026 Lapeer Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, and to commend 
her for decades of dedicated service and leadership in her community.
  For more than 20 years, Ms. Hammond served on the board of directors 
of the Human Development Commission, where she helped advance programs 
supporting vulnerable families, including Early Head Start, senior 
nutrition services, emergency sheltering, and winterization assistance. 
She also played an active role in fundraising efforts such as Walk for 
Warmth, helping families facing Michigan's harsh winters.
  An active member of Grace Episcopal Church, Ms. Hammond volunteers in 
the soup kitchen, supports charitable outreach during Lapeer Days, and 
leads her church's participation in Holiday Depot to ensure families in 
need experience the joy of the Christmas season.
  A founding member of the Lapeer County Community Foundation, she 
helped establish a lasting legacy of scholarships and community grants, 
including the creation of the Women's Fund to support women and 
children. Her service also includes involvement with Love INC, the 
Business and Professional Women's Club of Lapeer, and leadership within 
her church's women's organization, supporting causes such as The 
Refuge, Stone Soup Food Bank, and the Lapeer City Police Officers 
Charitable Fund.
  Della Hammond exemplifies the very best of citizenship. Her 
compassion, leadership, and lifelong commitment to service have made 
Lapeer County stronger.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Della 
Hammond on this well-deserved honor.

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