Who’s Your Hands On Hero?
Who Is Your Hands On Hero? Shine A Light On Those Who Do Good!
Hands On Heroes is an annual award program to recognize those special members of our community who donate their time, energy and skills to support the people, places, and non-profits in Thomas County. These volunteer heroes help make our community a better place for everyone through the simple act of volunteer service.
Nominations are accepted year-round and reviewed every March. Winners are announced in April during HOTC Volunteer Week, April 17-24, and will receive awards and/or prizes, including:
- a $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leader Scholarship for the Student Winner
- four Disney Park Hopper Passes for the Individual Winner.
This year, all nominees will also receive their very own SUPER hero cape compliments of Everfan, as well as other goodies and perks during Volunteer Week.
Nominees are not just judged on number of hours, or years, served as a volunteer, but also on impact, passion, commitment, and inspiration. Nominees do not need to be associated with or volunteer through HOTC to be recognized. Make it easy for us to choose your nominee — tell us a compelling story that explains what makes this person or group so special. Be descriptive and heartfelt! See last year’s winners here.
Before submitting your nomination, please make sure to read the program rules! Nominations will go before a judging panel and must meet our basic requirements. View rules and more information here. If you have questions about your nomination, please email us.
Nominate A Hands On Hero! Nomination deadline March 15
To see previous Hands On Heroes, click here.
Before submitting your nomination, please view rules and more information here.
Thank you to all of our donors, especially Diamond Level (and above) Sponsors Ashley HomeStore, New Hire Solutions, Mr. & Mrs. Russell Chubb, Mr. & Mrs. Howell L. Ferguson, Ms. Diane W. Parker, and Dr. & Mrs. Philip C. Watt for making volunteer events and programs like these possible.
Normally this time of year, we would be planning to honor local volunteers – we call them 
Hands On Heroes
Volunteer Week got an early start when almost 200 
On Saturday, April 20, we officially kicked off Volunteer Week by planting more than 20 beautiful rose bushes donated by 
to recognize outstanding volunteer efforts in our community. More than 70 nominations were submitted by non-profit agencies and community leaders in student, individual and group categories. Award Winners, as well as Honorable Mentions, were carefully considered and selected by a committee based, not just on the number of volunteer hours served, but also for their inspiration, commitment, impact, passion, and leadership.
In contrast to the individual winner, Sister Erlean is a long-time resident and volunteer in this community. Some of you may already know her selfless service through Rescue Mission Soup Kitchen which she has operated in this community for more than 30 years. Every weekday, she coordinates volunteers who make hot meals for local neighbors in need, helping to fight the issue of hunger that exists for too many. She regularly serves hundreds of hot meals daily, providing individuals with both lunch and a dinner for later. Food insecurity is unfortunately a problem right here, but one that she is not afraid to confront and help rectify with no judgement. Along with an award, Sister Douglas received a $250 check for the Rescue Mission Soup Kitchen to help purchase food items. If we all do what we can daily, as modeled by Sister Erlean, we make ourselves and our community a better place.
There are many things that resulted in Langley being selected as our student award winner. Her list of accomplishments, activities, and awards took 2 single spaced pages and she received 2 separate nominations. She was inducted into the Thomasville-Thomas County Athletic Hall of Fame. She is an all A honor student – As a matter of fact, she is a 16 year old senior who will be graduating a year ahead of schedule. In between all that, she has averaged 50+ hours of community service each year volunteering with HOTC, Backpack Buddies, voter elections, DogTags for veterans, and through Chick fil A Leadership and FCA. And in true service before self form, she has been accepted to the US Naval Academy. Langley is an all-around achiever, and a true servant leader. We can’t wait to see what her future holds! As the student winner, Langley received an award, a 6-month YMCA membership and the $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leadership Scholarship.
Red Hills Pet Therapy is a group of both 2-legged and 4-legged volunteers who provide countless hours of service bringing comfort to patients at local medical facilities and hospice, offering companionship to residents of senior living facilities, acting as stress buffers and teaching aids to students, providing relief for children with speech and emotional disorders, and of course giving lots of unconditional furry love to all they encounter. These animals and handler teams have passed a 13 item evaluation and training prior to even going out into the community to volunteer. We are awed by their commitment, bond, and the joy they bring to so many lives. If you have an animal that you think would make a good therapy pet or just want to learn more about this outstanding group, 
BIG CHEERS to everyone who volunteers tirelessly and selflessly every day! Special thank you to Everfan, 
Saturday, April 21 · 9a-12p (Other days & times also available)
Monday, April 23, 9am – 4pm
Thurs-Sat, April 26-28
Mon-Fri, April 23-27
Friday, April 27 · 6p-9p
