We are proud to announce that the 2025 “Person of the Year” Award from Vlada’s Seeds of Life has been presented to the extraordinary team of Temecula KOHL’S volunteers. This special recognition celebrates a decade of heartfelt commitment, tireless service, and unwavering support for our mission to build stronger, healthier families and communities across the nation.

For the past 10 years, the dedicated volunteers from Temecula KOHL’S have played an instrumental role in supporting two of our flagship programs:

🌱 “Little Sprouts” – our free seed distribution initiative promoting home gardening and healthy eating
🍳 “Cooking and Kids” – a family-focused educational program designed to encourage healthy living and meaningful connections through cooking and lifestyle education

Thanks to their passion and involvement, Little Sprouts has grown beyond Southern California. In addition to Los Angeles and San Diego, we are thrilled to announce that the program will expand to New York and Chicago public libraries next year, bringing essential gardening resources to underserved urban communities.

We are equally proud that Cooking and Kids is now airing on over 400 public access television stations, delivering engaging, educational content to families across the U.S.

These achievements would not have been possible without the time, energy, and heart of the KOHL’S volunteer team. Through thousands of hours of service, they have not only helped launch and grow our initiatives—they’ve also been instrumental in securing critical funding and broadening our outreach. Their contribution has helped Vlada’s Seeds of Life flourish from a local idea into a nationally recognized nonprofit organization making a real difference in lives across America.

At a heartfelt award ceremony held yesterday, we honored these exceptional individuals. Nina Cullen, President of Vlada’s Seeds of Life, presented the Person of the Year plaque to Ana Tasevska and Nama Khadour, recognizing their 10 years of outstanding service and dedication. In her remarks, Nina expressed deep appreciation for their contributions, emphasizing the invaluable impact of Ana, Nama, and the entire Temecula KOHL’S volunteer team on the organization’s journey.

Vlada Vladic, our Founder and CEO, also shared her gratitude:

“Thank you for helping us make Vlada’s Seeds of Life a success story.”

Ana, Nama, and their fellow KOHL’S volunteers have been more than volunteers—they’ve been the heartbeat of our mission. Their spirit and generosity have helped bring families together, educate future generations, and cultivate stronger communities from the ground up.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded of the transformative power of community involvement. We invite everyone across the country to connect with local charities, donate time, share skills, and be a part of something greater. Your support can help grow a healthier, more connected world for all.

Thank you again to the Temecula KOHL’S volunteers—you are truly our People of the Year!