Yeah ton of people aren’t comfortable in setting like this so I get it. I think this lady perhaps didn’t realize that you don’t like to be in a spotlight. Perhaps she lacks awareness that others might not like big announcements. I suspect she meant well, just a bit awkwardly

As about not doing significant work. Volunteering is volunteering and every little bit is better than nothing, it’s all significant. I don’t currently volunteer, I have no time, but I used to volunteer in two homeless shelters. I didn’t use my brain at all and it was not significant work, in one place I just washed dishes. Made me appreciate dishwashers. What a hard job. But dishes needed to be washed. Same as stuffing envelopes, it needs to be done. And you did it. So they thanked you.

Sometimes it might be ok to do something out of your comfort zone. Like going to a big event and being acknowledged etc