RECOGNIZED—Several volunteers and organizations were recognized Monday night by town and county officials. Taking a moment for a group photo are (seated, from left) Doris Greene, Vickie Scott and Alice Keighton; (standing from left) Cameron Absher, Helen Crouse, Tom Atwood, Fritz and Bev Earle, Nancy Hall, Georgia Higgins, Bess Smith, Johnnie Whitlow and Katy Greene, Brenda Lovelace, Reba Smith and DeAnne Warren. Not pictured are Andy Wright, Jessica Wyatt, Victoria Hall and Walt McMillian.

CARES earns statewide recognition

Alleghany Christians Associated for Relief and Emergency Services (CARES) is slated to receive the Medallion Award from the governor's office, according to Bob Bamberg, executive director of the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce. The announcement was made Monday night during a joint meeting of the Alleghany County Commission and Sparta Town Council.

Vickie Scott, CARES director, nominated her staff for recognition and she accepted the recognition on their behalf.

Bamberg read, "CARES operates a local thrift store that recycles donations into low-cost used but serviceable items for individuals in our community. The money taken in at the thrift store, over and above its expenses, is donated to the community. Through the efforts of its volunteers, last year CARES gave over $90,000 back to Alleghany County in support of scholarships to adults and youth, free prescriptions, housing repairs, donations to the Solid Rock Food Closet and the Pregnancy Care Center, just to name a few."

Bamberg went on to state the governor's office was "so impressed with CARES work that at a date yet to be announced, this organization will be honored with the highest recognition given for volunteer service, the Medallion Award, one of only 20 to be presented across North Carolina."

Also slated to receive recognition from the governor's office is the Solid Rock Food Closet, directed by DeAnne Warren. The organization was nominated by the Rev. Thom Burleson for the work the organization does to fight hunger on a local level.

The organization provides about 750 citizens with food each month and participates in the Backpack Program which weekly provides "kid friendly" foods for about 100 youngsters in the county's three elementary schools.

"The program runs on the effort of volunteers and the first eight months on this year, some 300 plus volunteers donated more than 3,000 hours of service," Bamberg read.

Walt McMillian was nominated by Joe Jones for his service to the Council on Aging where serves as board chair.

"Joe not only highlighted Walt's work with the council, but mentioned five other organizations where Walt has provided leadership and given his time as a volunteer," Bamberg stated. It was also pointed out that Walt and his wife Sara do a lot of volunteer work together.

However, Mrs. McMillan was recognized with the governor's award last year and thus not eligible for nomination this year. Alice Keighton was nominated by Librarian Debbie Brewer, who noted Keighton has been a volunteer at the library for more than 10 years, and serves as the manager of the library's used book store, "Books and Friends."

Bamberg read, "Without her dedication and leadership, it is doubtful that the bookstore would be a reality today."

Victoria Hall was nominated by Sherry Clodfelter with the Alleghany County Library for three years of volunteer work and is serving as president of the Junior Friends of the Library. "She is being recognized for her considerable effort in organizing the Junior Friends to be an effective organization," Bamberg stated. Brewer accepted her certificate of appreciation on Victoria's behalf.

Also Recognized

Nominated by Clodfelter with the local library, Cameron Absher has volunteered for the last three years with the Junior Friends of the Library and was active in the effort to get the library bond passed. Helen Crouse, nominated by Mayor Pro Tem Agnes Joines, was recognized for 10 years of service to the Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission fund- raising efforts through the Alleghany Planning Committee.

 

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