These 19 people spend their free time making North Carolina a better place
Last week, the Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service, North Carolina’s highest award for volunteer service, was presented to 19 individuals and three organizations across 20 counties.
The award is presented annually by the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service to recognize North Carolinians who have shown dedication to improving their communities and lives through volunteer service.
The list of 2024 recipients includes a diverse group of individuals and organizations representing a whopping 20 counties throughout the state. Here’s a bit about each one:
- Guy Graybeal, Jr., Ashe County: Volunteers at Ashe Outreach Ministries delivering hot meals.
- Sonya Reid, Burke County: Heads the volunteer onboarding and placement at the American Red Cross.
- Librado Mendoza Sosa, Chatham County: Mentors students through a summer internship with Student Action with Farmworkers.
- Mercil Hurt, Cherokee County: Dedicates her life to community service, helping seniors and youth.
- Deborah Swick, Dare County: Volunteers in roadside cleanup and sea turtle nest protection.
- Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry, Gaston County: Provides food and support in Greater Gaston County.
- Laura and Sandy Gabel, Granville County: Fundraise for Area Congregations in Ministry.
- Susan Tolle, Iredell County: Founded the Out of Darkness Suicide Walk to promote suicide prevention.
- Dr. William and Cindy Hall, Lee County: Offer free medical services via a mobile health clinic.
- Vivian Poole, McDowell County: Delivers meals to seniors at the McDowell County Senior Center.
- Bud Frank, Mecklenburg County: Logs one thousand volunteer hours annually at the American Red Cross.
- Daniel Kopchick, New Hanover County: Supports hospice and dementia patients at Lower Cape Fear Lifecare.
- Pamela Tudryn, Orange County: Prepares meals for families at the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals.
- Safe Haven of Pender Inc., Pender County: Provides support to domestic violence victims.
- David Post, Rowan County: Engages in volunteer work supporting youth services and arts.
- Carmon West, Transylvania County: Serves as a first responder with Lake Toxaway Fire Rescue for over 40 years.
- Dr. Drew Polly, Union County: Conducts educational workshops in Union County Schools.
- NAMI NC Helpline Responder Team, Wake County: Advocates for mental health and provides support.
- Donna Phillips, Wayne County: Teaches personal development and community service.
- Claudia Juarez Reyes, Wilson County: Helps increase access to higher education for Latino youth through Seeds of Hope and Amexcan.
The award ceremony was a momentous occasion celebrating the spirit of volunteerism and community service in North Carolina.
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