AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP ‘honors true spirit of volunteerism’ with N.C. Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards ceremony
Southeastern Community College’s AmeriCorps Seniors/RSVP organization recognized nine recipients of the North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award on April 30 in the SCC auditorium. According to nc.gov, “the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals and groups that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service.”
“You are the cornerstone of these organizations, and we are profoundly appreciative of all that you do,” said Alice Paul, Director of AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP. “None of this would be achievable without your dedication. Thank you for making a positive impact on the lives of others and our communities.”
Dixie Batten volunteers at the Sunshine Shop at Columbus Regional Healthcare System and has been there since 2004. She was nominated by Shauna Treadaway
Daisy Vereen Brooks is the pastor of Facts of Life Church of God, and she operates a weekly food distribution ministry in Tabor City. She was nominated by Enika Ford.
Darlene “Pokey” Bullock organizes food pantries, secures donations for food pantries, and advocates for long-term recovery programs in Fair Bluff. She was nominated by Emilie Hart.
Janice Ganus volunteers at Families Values Thrift Store, where in 2024, she served 1,285 hours to assist the store in Whiteville. She was nominated by Lucretia Fleming.
Joe Hahn, a Cerro Gordo native, is a retired Air Force veteran who actively volunteers with several organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Veterans Memorial Park of America, the Food Bank and the Columbus Baptist Association’s Toy Store &
Backpack Buddies. He was nominated by Angela Norris.
Corbin Lovett is an 8th grade student at Tabor City School, where he raised $30,000 to purchase a grand piano for the school. He was nominated by his principal, William Norris.
Milton Parker volunteers at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, where he serves as a front desk attendant to welcome friends and family of the patients in Whiteville. Parker is an AmeriCorps Senior volunteer working in his 14th year, and he was nominated by Robbie Cribb.
Morgan Edmund Pierce has served as the leader of the PTA at West Columbus School for the past two years. She spearheaded many projects in her community and church, where she leads children’s programs in Sunday school, the nursery and VBS in Chadbourn. She was nominated by Anne Maultsby.
Sue Spivey, a Chadbourn native, volunteers at the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Angel House Hospice in Whiteville. She introduced pet therapy to the hospice house with her dog, Max. Spivey is a Blood Ambassador with the Red Cross, and she has been a member of AmeriCorps Senior RSVP for eight years. She was nominated by the RSVP Office at SCC.
In addition to the North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award recipients, six AmeriCorps Seniors Awards recipients were recognized. The top award was officially named the Retha Thompson AmeriCorps Seniors Award in honor of Retha Thompson, a dedicated volunteer since 1997 with contributions to more than 30 organizations in Columbus County.
The Retha Thompson AmeriCorps Seniors Award recipient was Patsy Britt of Evergreen. Other award winners were Linda Bullard of Whiteville, Esta Boswell of Whiteville, Betty Hinson of Chadbourn, Veronica Lewis of Hallsboro and Janice Smith of Whiteville.
Interested in volunteer work with AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP at SCC? Contact Alice Paul at [email protected] for more information on how to get started.
