Hands On Heroes

May 4, 2023

Congratulations 2023 Volunteer Heroes!

In 2023, not only are we celebrating 20 years of service, but it is also the 10th anniversary of our Hands On Heroes awards. What better way to celebrate than with BIG cheers and LOTS of volunteers at the 10th annual Cheers For Volunteers presented by 1915 South/Ashley! More than 400 people joined us on Tuesday, April 25 to honor 50+ volunteer heroes. Friends, family, and interested community members were treated to Diablo’s, Blue Bell Ice Cream, lemonade and popcorn compliments of Thomas County Schools, and entertainment by The Leftovers. In true volunteer spirit, attendees also brought donations for Birthday Boxes.

All nominees received a bag of goodies including a certificate, note of thanks, and their very own Hands On Hero cape compliments of Everfan! Selected winners also received a Hands On Heroes award and prizes, and the student winner received a $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leader Scholarship. On behalf of our partners, HOTC is proud to recognize these very special volunteers who shine brightly in the eyes of local non-profit agencies and community members as Hands On Heroes.

This year, as part of our 20th anniversary, HOTC became a certifying organization for The President’s Volunteer Service Award created by Executive Order in 2003, which is based solely on the age of the volunteer, and hours served and certified for the previous year. For the first time, we were proud to present this national accolade to eight local volunteers: Janice Anderson, Raylynn Fykes, Kimberly Homer, Campbell Smith, Kassie White, Brennan West, Wade Banks, and Judy’s Heroes.

Take a look at the photos below. Click to enlarge. Special thanks to JRhodes Photography!

2023 Hands On Heroes Award Winners

Individual Category – Volunteers 18+ who serve independently in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Award Winner – Kimberly Homer
If you are friends with Kimberly personally or on social media, two things immediately stand out:

1) She is full of knowledge, daily using her time to share the history and feats of pioneers who forged the way for so many things we today take for granted, inspiring others to do the same.

2) She also has a bit of the pioneer spirit within her – She has yet to meet an event or need where she isn’t willing to lend a hand. traveling throughout Georgia and Florida to volunteer with HOTC, the Jack Hadley Museum, NAACP, with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, local School functions, hospitals, fundraising events and more. If there is a need…there is a Kimberly!

She has a heart for service – a piece of which she leaves – and frequently returns to – everywhere she goes. And we are thankful that the biggest part of her volunteer heart resides right here in our community. As our 2023 Winner, she received an award and a $500 gift card to Ashley Homestore.

Hands On Heroes Rising Star Award Winner – Jackie Spadoni
Jackie has served countless hours helping a variety of non-profits and causes in our community. From board service, to setting up events, and soliciting donations, Jackie is there every time and follows through with her commitments for HOTC, The Chamber, The Treehouse, Kiwanis, Downtown Boston, Lives Without Limits, OakFest and more. Jackie is always willing to lend a hand without complaint. She has been nominated as a Hands On Hero just about every year for the past 10 years, and we know her service and impact will shine on for decades to come. As our 2023 Winner, she received an award and a membership to the YMCA.

Hands On Heroes Living Legend Award Winner – Wade Banks
Wade is an avid FULL TIME volunteer and a blessing for Thomas County Schools, specifically at Hand in Hand and for the TCCHS Band program. He is the pinnacle of dedication to his passion – students and their success. For more than 12 years, he has been a full-time volunteer with more than 17,000 hours devoted to – reading to kids, helping keep students and school grounds safe and clean, attending events, and helping students in whatever way he can whether with a high five, a smile, or encouragement. His genuine love and enthusiasm for his volunteer work impacts everyone he meets – students, parents and teachers alike which was evident in the more than 60 nominations we received for him alone. For all that and more, We couldn’t think of a better role model for a Hands On Hero. As our 2023 Winner, he received an award and $100 Downtown Dollars.

Individual Category Honorable Mention – Janice Anderson, Bob Dyksterhouse

Congratulations also to these Individual Nominees: Jerrylene Brown, Glenda Butler, Dawn DeLeo, Matt Delarber, Robin DePaola, Charles Evans, CB “Scooter “Grubbs, Chandler Foy Hurst, Patrick Harrity, Gene McNease, Keith Raffield, Jessica Rivera, Olga Lami-Schmizzi, Drew Tuggle, Gavin Wilson, Randie Wortman

Student Category – Youth in grades 6-12 in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Student Award Winner – Campbell Smith
Campbell is an A-student – valedictorian of his class no less. A student athlete – playing varsity football and soccer. Part of the Work Based Learning program where he worked at Rose City Pharmacy. He has successfully balanced school, work, practice, games – and still managed time to volunteer. He has accumulated more than 200 service hours in his high school career (over 100 in 2022) with HOTC, Backpack Buddies, The Treehouse, the Elections Office, veterans groups, school events, and tutoring fellow students. He was nominated not once, but four times – by a family member, a teacher, a coach, and a guidance counselor – all of whom called him “Freakin’ Awesome.” We always encourage our nominators to include stories from the heart because sometimes seemingly tiny details make the biggest impact. This past year, when a beloved local educator passed, Campbell took it upon himself to organize and tutor her students, as well as his own. It is that small detail, but huge initiative on his part that impacted so many around him and confirms he is a Hands On Hero. As our 2023 Winner, he received an award, and a $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leader Scholarship.

Student Category Honorable Mention: Kolleen Barber, Brianni Brown, D’Kijah Brown, Brian Cauley, Holten Dennard, Anna Catherine Duplantis, Raylynn Fykes, Claire Garbett, Bishop Jackson, Caleb Kinneer, Cullen Marsh, Theoderick Martin, Payten Mustain, Ziara McCoy, Celia Perry, Javin Spencer, Journee Spencer, Heaven Thomas, Brennan West, Kayla Wade, Kyla Wade, Kassie White, Millie Wilson

Group Category – Businesses, Organizations, and Civic Clubs in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Group Award Winner – Thomasville Street Church
Homelessness exists in our community and it is a topic that some are uncomfortable discussing, let alone addressing. What makes homelessness so daunting is that it has a face – men, women, children and families just like ours. People who find themselves living in cars, the street, or camped in the woods due to circumstances often beyond their control. And unfortunately, there are not enough resources in our area that can help everyone. Thomasville Street Church (now known as Thomasville Street Feed) is a grassroots effort of local volunteers who are not afraid to confront and help rectify with no judgement.

Since summer 2022, this group of volunteers has assisted the homeless and displaced individuals in our community, providing prayer, fellowship, food, clothing and even homes. Several times each week, volunteers make and serve food, provide necessities, and create friendships among all people despite their circumstances. It is a truly grassroots effort which has grown from a handful of people to a movement. In lieu of an award, $250 was donated to their efforts to help purchase food or other needed items.

Group Category Honorable Mention: Flowers Procurement Group, Judy’s Heroes

Congratulations also to these Group Nominees: Lambda Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, National Technical Honor Society at Southern Regional Technical College, Rotary Club—Scott Senior Center Volunteers, TCCHS HOSA Club, Thomasville/Thomas County Homeless Coalition Volunteers

Take a look at the photos below. Click to enlarge. Special thanks to JRhodes Photography!

BIG CHEERS to all those who volunteer tirelessly and selflessly every day. Super thanks to 1915 South/Ashley, Everfan, City of Thomasville, Thomas County Schools, Grassroots, Diablo’s, Blue Bell, Whitehurst Blackburn & Warren, Jennifer Rhodes Photography; as well as all of our sponsors and grantors who make free, community-minded events like these possible.

Take a look at the photos below. Click to enlarge. Special thanks to JRhodes Photography!

May 10, 2022

Volunteer Week 2022 Recap

April was National Volunteer Month and we celebrated to the fullest during Thomas County’s very own Volunteer Week April 16-23, presented by Check Mate Industries! Over 840 individuals joined us throughout the week at select volunteer opportunities and as we recognized the many Hands On Heroes at Cheers For Volunteers! Take a look at the highlights and pictures below.

Volunteer Week is a celebration of volunteer service and the many people who make good things happen in our community! We were excited to start the week doing just that by planting roses at the City of Thomasville Pocket Park located at the corner of Smith and Hansell Street! Fifteen individuals came together on Saturday, April 16 to plant roses, graciously given to us by Flowerwood Nursery, in honor of our wonderful volunteers and sponsors. This project brightened & beautified this little spot in town so be sure to drive by and check them out!

This same day, volunteers headed to the Pavo Peacock Center in Pavo to join forces with the Pavo Manna Group to fight hunger! A little over a dozen volunteers sorted, bagged, and distributed more than 500 bags of food which included an assortment of breads, beans, frozen meats, and canned goods to over 204 individuals! We are so proud of the Pavo Manna Group and HOTC volunteers for working so hard, all while dodging the rain!

On Tuesday, April 19, we celebrated our Hands On Heroes (aka volunteer heroes) at our 9th annual Cheers For Volunteers awards and reception at the Ritz Amphitheater. A good time was had by all – so much we had to write another post, which you can read here.

Throughout the week, volunteers participated in rose-themed projects in honor of the City of Thomasville’s 101st Rose Show & Festival such as Rocks and Roses which saw over 30 volunteers who painted and hid rose show related rocks around places like the Big Oak, Paradise Park, The Ritz Amphitheater, Cherokee Lake, and along Downtown. It was neat seeing the rocks made, especially the ones found on the Thomasville Rocks FB page. School groups and individuals also made flower bouquets filled with paper roses and rose boutineers which were given to local residents at The Residence of Oak Grove and Scott Senior Center. The seniors were so happy to receive the beautiful handmade flowers. Take a look at the pics below!

Also throughout the week, volunteers beautified their community by picking up litter and lending a hand at our local food bank Second Harvest. Volunteers also served at the Cherokee Lake Pollinator Garden by pulling invasive weeds as well as helping around the barn at Hands & Hearts For Horses.

We ended the week with some fun at the 101st annual Rose Show Parade themed “Where Roses Reign, New Traditions Bloom“. It was fun having a few of our Hands On Heroes on board as they put on their best parade wave down Broad Street.

All in all, it was a great Volunteer Week and we are proud of our community’s response to this event! We honestly can’t say it enough – THANK YOU to all of our volunteers, sponsors, and donors who make this such a great community to be a part of. We couldn’t do it without you!

Don’t miss the next one! Stay up-to-date
by visiting our Daily Opportunities Calendar
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Special thanks to these Diamond Level & above Sponsors: 1915 South/Ashley, Belazul, Check-Mate Industries, Flowers Foods, Mr. & Mrs Clint Kadel, and Dr. & Mrs. Philip Watt for making volunteer programs and events like these possible.

May 5, 2022

Cheers For Volunteers 2022

BIG cheers for the 9th annual Cheers For Volunteers Presented by 1915 South/Ashley! Thanks to the more than 400 people who joined us on Tuesday, April 19 to celebrate 60+ volunteer heroes. Friends, family, and interested community members were treated to Diablo’s, Blue Bell Ice Cream, lemonade and popcorn compliments of Thomas County Schools, and entertainment by The Leftovers.

Hands On Heroes is an annual program to recognize outstanding volunteer efforts in our community. 68 nominations were submitted by non-profit agencies and community leaders in student, individual, and group categories. Award winners, as well as honorable mentions, were selected by a committee based, not just on hours served, but also for their inspiration, commitment, impact, passion, and leadership. Cheers For Volunteers is our opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate and thank all volunteers for all their good work.

Each nominee received a certificate, note of thanks, and their very own Hands On Hero cape compliments of Everfan! Selected winners also received a Hands On Heroes award and prizes, and the student winner received a $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leader Scholarship. On behalf of our partners, HOTC is proud to recognize these very special volunteers who shine brightly in the eyes of local non-profit agencies and community members as Hands On Heroes.

Take a look at the photos below. Click to enlarge. Special thanks to JRhodes Photography!

2022 Hands On Heroes Award Winners

Individual Category – Volunteers 18+ who serve independently in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Award Winner – Ms. Mandy Yates & Mr. Aundre Walker
Midway CME Cemetery was founded in the 1800s and served as the primary church (and later school) for local enslaved people, and later, their free descendants. Mr. Walker, a former attendee, took over maintenance of this church cemetery after years of neglect. For 3 years, he worked solo to uncover grave sites reclaimed by nature. In summer 2021, Mandy Yates learned of the site and was moved by his work and devotion to help. Together with the help of volunteers, they have reclaimed the church grounds and uncovered and brought dignity to more than 100 grave sites. Now their focus is improving the grounds and salvaging the church in the hopes of creating a museum and memorial to those who worshiped and are buried there. We thank them for honoring and bringing awareness to this historic site. To learn more about Midway CME Cemetery & Church or to lend a hand, visit their Facebook page. As our 2022 Award Winner(s), they received an award, and each received a $500 gift card to Ashley Homestore.

Individual Category Honorable Mention – Ucher Dent, Ansley Lacy, Nancy Tillinghast

Congratulations also these Individual Nominees: Christine Ambrose, Matthew Brotzman, David Carver, Sharon Cook, Rich Curtis, Karen Dorn, Larry Dorn, Charles Evans, Sanford Giemza, Rhonda Grim, Pat Hall, Paige Hurst, Kirstern James, Teresa James, Janice Jones, Micah Kimler, Retha Lee, John Letteney, Annie Doris Lovejoy, Julie Nixon-Berry, Mike Owens, Kristy Roland, Jessica Rauls, Sue Ann Sanders, Jackie Spadoni, Misty Taylor, Cierra Thomas, Sandi Turner, Heather Ward, Will Watt, Leon Yates

Student Category – Youth in grades 6-12 in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Student Award Winner – Ms. Je’Niece Manning
Je’Niece is no stranger to volunteering or to Hands On Thomas County, volunteering through our partners Virtuous Girls Group of Meigs, Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, Thomas County 4H, her church, and our organization since she was a young girl. She has also been nominated as a Hands On Hero several times throughout the years. Now 18 and a senior at Thomas County Central High School, it is time for us to give thanks for all her volunteer efforts over the years whether picking up litter for Keep Thomas County Beautiful, making comfort items for patients at Archbold, or visiting seniors at Pelham Parkway, she has exhibited a true servant heart directed by her strong personal faith, and is a model for all of us. As our 2022 Award Winner, Je’Niece received an award, and a $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leader Scholarship.

Student Category Honorable Mention – Bryson Bennett, Karsyn Bush, Chanara Dunbar, Ellie Griffin, Bowen Hurst, Sofia Jiminez, D’Atra Lomax, Conner Marsh, Ethan McCabe, Parker McCollum, Karson McCutchen, Andrew Robertson, Kendall Roland, Jordan Seay, Riley Slocumb, Kevin Solano, Malachi Thomas, Payton West, Mercy Yates

Group Category – Businesses, Organizations, and Civic Clubs in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Group Award Winner – Pavo Manna Drop Volunteers represented by Cecil & Cheryl Barbee
In 2020, HOTC held a manna drop in Pavo alongside the very active Pavo Civic Club. Recognizing the continued need in the community, these local volunteers wanted to keep the food distributions going. After getting some basic info and support from HOTC, this group went solo. And now spend the 3^rd weekend of every month sorting and packing food boxes (on Friday), then distributing them at a manna drop on Saturday feeding hundreds of Pavo citizens each month. Thank you for stepping up to help your neighbors in need. Click here to get involved with the Pavo Civic Club or visit our daily opportunities calendar to help with their 3rd Saturday Manna Drops.

Hands On Heroes Community Impact Special Award Winner – Northside Park Volunteers
Summer of 2021, community members, businesses, and the City of Thomasville reached out to HOTC to help facilitate improvements at Northside, a small and underused neighborhood park to make it more accessible, usable, and safe. They installed a new roof, electric, and upgrades to the bathroom; redid the ball fields, graded the dirt road, and added practice equipment and storage buildings. Nowadays you will find the park active with teams and families on a daily basis. Thank you to FSA, Al’s quality painting, bannister electric, cch construction, Johnson landscaping, kustom exteriors, scoggins dozer, Thomas County Stars, Tsunami Wash, The Connection, and many more for coming together to create these park improvements. This was a true community effort with widespread impact. Read more about this project here.

Hands On Heroes Student Group Award Winner – Stand For A Cause represented by Neil & JC Wise, and Thomas & William Casper
What started out as just a lemonade stand to earn spending money during the summer, turned into bigger opportunity to give back to the community. These kids received so much community support for their original lemonade stand – selling out in less than one hour – they realized they could return the favor. With support of family and friends, they expanded their enterprise – making bbq sandwiches and other homemade goodies, and held another 3 stands. Through their hard work and selflessness, they raised $7500: $600 for the Humane Society, $5200 for medical expenses for a local nurse, and $1700 for The Treehouse. Thank you for turning a summer of fun into a summer of giving. Along with their Award, they were presented with a check for $250 for their next “stand.” If you’d like to help with or donate to a stand, email us!

Congratulations also to these Group Nominees – S&L Integrated, St. Luke Ministries, The Apprentice Program of Thomasville History Center, Thomasville Church, Thomasville Jeepers, Thomasville National Bank, TCCHS, Chick fil-A Leadership Academy, TCCHS Key Club

Take a look at the photos below. Click to enlarge. Special thanks to JRhodes Photography!

May 7, 2021

Cheers For Volunteers 2021

What a super night we had on Tuesday, April 20 as we honored our local volunteer Hands On Heroes at our 8th annual Cheers For Volunteers at the Big Oak. Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us!

Hands On Heroes is an annual program to recognize outstanding volunteer efforts in our community. More than 60 nominations were submitted by non-profit agencies and community leaders in student, individual, and group categories. Award winners, as well as honorable mentions were selected by a committee based, not just on hours served, but also for their inspiration, commitment, impact, passion, and leadership.

Each nominee received a certificate, a bag of goodies, and their very own Hands On Hero cape compliments of Everfan! Selected winners also received a Hands On Heroes awards, and the student winner received a $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leader Scholarship. On behalf of our partners, HOTC is proud to recognize theses very special volunteers who shine brightly in the eyes of local non-profit agencies and community members as Hands On Heroes. Take a look at the winners and photos of the evening below.

2021 Hands On Heroes Award Winners

Individual Category – Volunteers 18+ who serve independently in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Award Winner – Mr. Pat Christopher
Patriotism runs strong in our community, but unfortunately, there is little actual assistance for veterans in our community. Pat, who has a military background, not only believes all of our veterans deserve respect and dignity in return for their service, but works tirelessly to ensure it happens. Since 2015, Pat has been the Chairman of Dog Tagss, a group originally formed in Thomasville as a veterans’ home, which has now pivoted to a resource center run by volunteers to help veterans who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness, not just in Thomas County, but throughout southwest Georgia. His leadership and efforts help provide food, rent, utilities, clothing, and emotional support. Often personally going out into the community, and unfortunately, often into the streets, to find and assist hundreds of veterans in need each year. For this, we salute you! As our 2021 Award Winner, Pat received an award, and a $250 donation to DogTaggs.

Individual Category Honorable Mention – Rose Marie Robbins, Ellen Henderson

Congratulations also these Individual Nominees: Akoshua Williams, Barbara Johnson, Cheryl Walters, Christine Santos, Cynthia Anderson, Dale Millere, Dawn Phinazee Allen, Dr. Craig Wolff, Ginny Howard, Gretchen Stephens, Jacqueline Knight, Janice Hill, Janice Rauls, Jay Flowers, Jeffery Sigala, Keyla Sigala, Jodi Merritt, Kathy Pipken, Lindsay Leverette, Mary Beth Donalson, Megan Henderson, Melissa Artz, Nancy Tillinghast, Orangie James-McCraw, Rich Curtis, Sandra Crimley-Bell, Shelba Sellers, Tim Hobbs, Valerie West, Wayne Adams, and Wendy Beatty.

Special Lifetime Achievement Award – Mrs. Aldrena Williams
Aldrena is a long-time resident and volunteer in Meigs. She has a heart for service which extends beyond herself. Her efforts not only benefit the entire Meigs community, but specifically she acts as a mentor for hundreds of youth through the Virtuous Girls Group of Meigs. For more than 10 years, she has personally arranged, coordinated, and led volunteer efforts for community clean-ups through Keep Thomas County Beautiful, fed neighbors in need, and sewn comfort items for cancer patients at Archbold. She coordinates an annual literacy fair which provides free books to hundreds of children. She is a model volunteer, and you cannot keep Aldrena down. She is always full of smiles, gratitude, and a can-do attitude we should all strive for. As a 2021 Award Winner, Mrs. Aldrena received an award, and four Disney Park Hopper Passes.

Student Category – Youth in grades 6-12 in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Student Award Winner – Mr. Oxzavier Rivers
Oxzavier is an 11th Grade student/athlete at Thomasville High School Scholars Academy where he volunteers for a wide variety of school functions and community organizations such as stadium clean-ups, Wildlife Arts Festival, Homeless Coalition, and more through his membership in the Thomasville High School National Honor Society. This year has looked very different in terms of the number of service projects that have been offered in our local community, yet Oxzavier has plugged himself in to support in any way that he can. When our selection committee chooses award winners, they look at not only the type and amount of service, but also their commitment and inspiration to others as reflected on the nomination form. And what really set Oxzavier apart for our committee was the impression he left on his teachers and advisors which in turn left a big impression on us. Comments like — He will do a wonderful job in whatever capacity he is asked to serve. We constantly marvel at this young man’s selfless acts and the positive attitude and wonderful smile that he shows when he is volunteering, and we have said time and time again how wonderful it would be to have a society full of hearts to serve like Oxzavier’s. He sets the bar high for his peers, and the example that he sets through his actions and through his volunteering is creating a legacy for Thomasville High School and our wonderful community. Thank you for being a role model for your peers! As our 2021 Award Winner, Oxzavier received an award, and a $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leader Scholarship.

Student Category Honorable Mention – Tisha Stevens, DeAsia Daniels, Jiayi Yao, Andrew Robertson, Xavier Glenn, Peyton Cosby, Anna Pope, Mya Cooney, Randy Sowell, and Katie Giemza

Group Category – Businesses, Organizations, and Civic Clubs in Thomas County

Hands On Heroes Group Award Winner – Vital Signs LLC
Vital Signs has been a supporter of HOTC and other organizations such as Hands & Hearts for Horses, and the Humane Society for many years, but really stepped up to fulfill an urgent need for the community this past year. When lock-down was ordered, owner Chris Lovelady turned Vital Signs into a full-time mask-making effort with the help of a group of 50 volunteers (led by Dawn Phinazee Allen). Chris, had just taught himself how to sew and devoted company efforts to making more than 8000 masks that were then distributed free to individuals and groups, as well as essential workers during a very critical time. He did not do it for the credit, but because he saw a need. Even when his business re-opened, he continued to devote his own time, his staff, and resources to this effort. Although many companies pivoted during the pandemic to stay in business, Vital Signs pivoted to fill an urgent need to protect our community and for that we are truly thankful. As a 2021 Award Winner, Vital Signs received an award.

Group Category Honorable Mention – South Georgia Adventures, Thomas County School – 3D Printer Group

Congratulations also to these Group Nominees – City of Thomasville Public Works, First Missionary Baptist Church, Magnolia High School Alumni Association, PBL Chapter of Southern Regional Technical College, Providence Missionary Baptist Church Leadership, The Lomax Family, Thomas County Health Department, Thomasville Jeepers, Victory Fellowship Church Food Pantry, Thomas County Central Key Club, Thomasville High School JROTC

Our first ever Community Impact Award – Ashley HomeStore
Ashley HomeStore has a corporate culture of stewardship that shines brightly through their Thomasville division. Their commitment to community starts with its leadership. This top-down approach inspires employees at every level. Locally, their far-reaching support as volunteers and donors benefits the arts, environment, healthcare, veterans, schools and youth. Examples of their corporate civic-mindedness include Hope to Dream which provides mattresses to organizations like The Boys & Girls Club. in 2019, Ashley employees and partners created teachers lounges and updated the bathroom and kitchen at Scholars Academy and MacIntyre Park Middle School with a commitment to continue this work in other schools in our area. They have provided design assistance and furnishings for the Chamber of Commerce, Vashti Center and local festivals; provided over 400 meals to local healthcare staff during the pandemic; and support local organizations like Thomas University, Troupe, Thomasville Antiques Show foundation, Tall Timbers, the Humane Society, and of course HOTC where they come out every year to volunteer for at least one project site – this past year at a Manna Drop in Pavo. Ashley HomeStore is committed to the present and future well-being of this community as also noted by their recent investment — the 1915 South Building in the West Jackson Street Corridor. Thank you for being a model corporate citizen! As a 2021 Award Winner, Ashley HomeStore received an award.

BIG CHEERS to all those who volunteer tirelessly and selflessly every day. Super thanks to Everfan, City of Thomasville, Thomas County Schools, Banks Italian Ice, Jennifer Rhodes Photography; as well as all of our sponsors and grantors who make free, community-minded events like these possible, 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.

Take a look at the photos below. Click to enlarge.

Student Winner – Oxzavier Rivers

Group Winner – Vital Signs

Community Impact Award – Ashley HomeStore

Thomas County Schools – 3D Printer Group

Lifetime Acheivement Award – Ms. Aldrena Williams

South Georgia Adventures

Individual Winner – Pat Christopher

April 18, 2020

Virtual Cheers For Our 2020 Hands On Heroes

Normally this time of year, we would be planning to honor local volunteers – we call them Hands On Heroes – and HOTC supporters, in person, at Cheers For Volunteers presented by Ashley HomeStore, in partnership with the City of Thomasville and Everfan. Now in its 7th year, Cheers is a big celebration gathering hundreds of community members to enjoy free food and beverages, entertainment, and lots of fun and goodwill! Unfortunately, with large gatherings cancelled due to COVID-19, this year’s party was put on hold. However, our community spirit and appreciation of all the wonderful people who give back through volunteer service can never be denied.

Hands On Heroes is an annual program to recognize outstanding volunteer efforts in our community. More than 75 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, leadership, and passion.

All of our 2020 Hands On Heroes Winners have two things in common. They all have volunteered on HOTC event days, and they all have a focus around youth – elementary school kids just learning what it means to give back, a high school senior inspiring a legacy of learning and giving before he makes his way in the world, and an adult who takes what he learned as a kid to help create new future leaders. On behalf of our partners, HOTC is proud to recognize these very special volunteers who shine brightly in the eyes of local non-profit agencies and community members as Hands On Heroes.

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2020 Hands On Heroes Award Winners

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY – volunteers 18+ who serve independently in Thomas County

Chris at HOTC Day site

Hands On Heroes Award Winner – Mr. Christopher Henderson
Our hope is that the positive actions and traits we learn in our youth, we carry forward into our adult lives. Chris grew up with the positive ideals he learned as a long-time member of the Marguerite Neel Williams Boys & Girls Club which works to build self-esteem, values, and skills in youth – our future leaders. Chris now leads by example, lending his time as a club greeter, tutor, basketball coach, desk clerk – basically, wherever there is a need at the Club, Chris is willing to fill the spot. He also volunteers every Saturday mentoring young men for Omega Psi Phi fraternity, coaching at the YMCA, assisting at Thomasville Community Resource Center, and The Talent Hunt which supports youth in the arts. Chris Henderson is the embodiment of paying-it-forward: Taking what he learned in his youth to motivate and inspire the next generations of hands on heroes. As our 2020 Award Winner, Chris received an award, superhero cape, and 4 Disney Park Hopper Passes.

Individual Category Honorable Mention – Lindsey Leverette, Viola Bean

Congratulations also to these Individual Nominees: Ann Larson, Jessica Rivera, Tracy Zolt, Todd Bennett, Rebecca Ramsey, Emily Eckels, Jackie Spadoni, Larry Plank, Mary Beth Donalson, Jay Flowers, Mark Harmon, Jodi Merritt, Allen Thornhill, Kay Davis, Liz Williams, Patricia Kinnee, Shelba Sellers, Ashley Henderson, Jacqueline Lamons, Cynthia Anderson, Janice Hill, Verna Rauls, Julie Nixon-Berry, Akoshua Williams, Orangie James-McCraw, Sue Davis, Telvis Crimley, Sandra Crimley-Bell, Andrew Wells, Helen Cody, Cheryl Walters, Vivian Washington, Valerie West, Jandell Griffin, Laverne Bell, Pamela Jenkins, Emma Holton, Constance James, Teresa James, Keyla Sigala, Jefferey Sigala, Sarah Glass, Janice Rauls

STUDENT CATEGORY – youth in grades 6-12 in Thomas County

Winston at the Center for the Arts’ Bug Out

Hands On Heroes Student Award Winner – Mr. Winston Cornish
Sometimes a volunteer makes the biggest impact, not through the number of hours or years served, but through their passion and inspiration to others. Winston, a senior at Scholars Academy, is a talented artist who has volunteered throughout high school for the Thomasville Center for the Arts, Thom Magazine, and the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival, and a junior entomologist. Yes, he studies bugs. He has combined these passions to create exquisite art and envied insect collections that were recently showcased in the Thomasville Center for the Arts public art event – Bug Out. Then for 9 months, through coLab – a collaborative learning experience with sixty 3^rd graders from Brookwood and Harper Elementary School – he shared his passion and artistic skills to educate kids about insects, their essential role in our ecosystem, and their often underappreciated beauty. Through his big love for little creatures, Winston may have inspired a future biologist or researcher. As the Dalai Lama said, if you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito. As our 2020 Award Winner, Winston received an award, 6-month YMCA membership, and a $500 Bobbie Flowers Quiet Leader Scholarship.

Student Category Honorable Mention – Edjenee Corbin, Camryn Williams, Peyton Owens, Maylon Cochran, Tahj Brown, Mauri Leroux, Maston Whigham, Hayden Johnson, Joseph Kimler, Melia Saunders, Kate Griffith

GROUP CATEGORY – businesses, organizations and civic clubs in Thomas County

Cross Creek K-Kids volunteering for Keep Thomas County Beautiful

Hands On Heroes Group Award Winner – Cross Creek Elementary K-Kids led by Ms. Leslie Aracri & Ms. Lanie West
Kiwanis K-Kids clubs teaches leadership through volunteer activities within the school and community, and creates a heart for service that will grow with them into their adult lives. Throughout the year, K-Kids learn how to give back through hands-on service – such as making cards for soldiers, serving at the annual pancake supper, and heading recycling efforts within their school; through philanthropy – they collected $1000 for the Humane Society, and enough in donations to provide tetanus shots to 232 expectant mothers; and through awareness-building – encouraging their peers to sign the Youth Environmental Stewardship Pledge and get involved in school and community matters. We look forward to seeing what these kids do as they take these seeds planted now and grow. As a 2020 Winner, K-Kids received an award and superhero cape.

Group Category Honorable Mention – Dodge Boyz 229, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Theta Chi Zeta Chapter

Congratulations to these Group Nominees: ServPro of Thomas Colquitt & Grady Counties, Thomasville High School Football, Thomasville High School JROTC, Thomasville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., TJ Maxx, St. Luke CME Missionary & Youth Ministries, Retired Nurses & Teachers of Thomas County

BIG CHEERS to everyone who volunteers tirelessly and selflessly every day!

Special thank you to all of our sponsors and grantors who make free, community-minded events like these possible, especially Diamond Level and above sponsors Ashley Homestore, Hurst Boiler, and Ms. Diane W. Parker; as well as the Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation for making volunteer programs like these possible. We look forward to being able to celebrate with all of you in person soon!

May 15, 2019

Volunteer Week 2019 Recap

April was National Volunteer Month and we had the best time during Thomas County’s very own Volunteer Week, April 20-27. This event, always the week before Rose Show & Festival, is a celebration of service and all the volunteers who help make good things happen in our community. We had select volunteer opportunities (with over 428 participants!), volunteer “shout-outs”, and Appreciation Stations at select businesses around town. THANK YOU to all of our volunteers who make this such a great community to be a part of! See our recaps and pictures below.

$\"\"$ Volunteer Week got an early start when almost 200 Thomas County Middle School MERIT students from 6th and 8th grade volunteered in groups around town at project sites like Hand-In-Hand School, Second Harvest, Homeless Hookup, Miss Kitty Feline Sanctuary, Hands & Hearts for Horses, Friends of Lost Creek Butterfly Garden, and the Vashti Center. The students really worked hard to get things done… just take a look at the pictures below to see! Thank you Thomas County Schools, teachers and staff for being champions of service learning each year, and many thanks to the non-profits for having them!

$\"\"$ On Saturday, April 20, we officially kicked off Volunteer Week by planting more than 20 beautiful rose bushes donated by Flowerwood Nursery at the Rose Garden with the help from several volunteers, HOTC Board members and the City of Thomasville Public Works Department.

$\"\"$ On Monday, April 22, we dressed in our finest Everfan superhero gear to personally honor and cape over 200 local superheroes nominated for their service and commitment to our community. Each individual received a superhero cape, an appreciation card with discounts to local businesses, and an invitation to Cheer For Volunteers (an event so amazing, it warranted its own post which you can view here).

$\"\"$ Also during the week, volunteers lent a hand at the Rescue Mission Soup Kitchen (prepping and handing out meals to our local neighbors), Second Harvest (sorting and packing food boxes), Keep Thomas County Beautiful (picking up litter), Rose Show Parade (serving meals to band members after the parade), and Art in the Park (helping with arts & crafts). We also held our annual toiletry drive which collected a bin full of travel sized toiletry items that will be sorted and packed as comfort kits for local human service agencies.

$\"\"$ On Friday, April 26, we started the day by meeting the beautiful Miss Georgia and ended it riding on the Everfan float in the Rose Parade with over 50 of our Hands On Heroes! On Saturday April 27, The Walk Youth Group wrapped up the week by hosting our Manna Drop (a free food distribution) at Scott Senior Center, serving over 361 individuals in need. WOW, what a week!

$\"\"$ A huge thank you to our Appreciation Stations who donated free or discounted goodies for our volunteers during the week: Jonah\’s Fish & Grits for the t-shirts; Grassroots for the cups of coffee; Wash-N-Go Express for the $5 off a full service wash; Onward Reserve for the decals; and Longhorn Steakhouse for the free appetizer cards! We can\’t thank you enough for your generosity.

To all of our sponsors, volunteers, non-profits, and groups who came together to help make it all happen, THANK YOU! We couldn’t do it without your support.