Maricopa city officials, business owners and community members gathered at the Global Water Resources building Saturday to honor the Dr. Rev. Juanita Allen, Chairperson of the Maricopa Unit of The Salvation Army, with the “Doing the Most Good” Award. 

The recognition came after nearly a decade of service. Allen, who started as a case worker, has helped more than 580 people over the last three years through assistance with utility bills, food, clothing, furnishings and interview preparation. 

“I don’t do this for the recognition,” Allen said. “I do this because I love helping people.” 

Olin Hogan, Service Extension Director for the Salvation Army covering Arizona, New Mexico and Southern Nevada, credited Allen with taking the local unit’s work to a new level since stepping into her leadership role three years ago, including connecting the unit with a food donation partner to address food insecurity in the area. 

“She’s constantly thinking about how to improve, how to do better and how to make this a better place to live,” Hogan said. 

“This award means that our work is being recognized,” she said. “Not just me, but all my volunteers.” 

This isn’t Allen’s first recognition for her work.  

Last year, she was one of several recipients for the Community Champions award given during the 2025 State of the City address.  

Several other community members and local business owners were also recognized during the ceremony for their contributions to the Salvation Army’s mission in Maricopa.