Local Volunteers Recognized For Excellence And Devotion
SPRINGFIELD TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency holds quarterly commodities distributions at each county office they serve to provide low-income families with much-needed food boxes. Last year, the agency as a whole distributed 12,515 food boxes to needy families, which translated into 493,907 lbs. of food. MCCAA could not help the thousands of individuals they serve without the help of great volunteers, like those in Robertson County.
Janice Tucker, Crisis Specialist in the Robertson County office, relies upon local high schools and a few long-term volunteers to help her distribution days run smoothly. Her excellent organizational skills combined with the assistance of some truly great people who just want to help others create an extremely efficient and effective distribution process. On Valentine’s Day, MCCAA decided to recognize those long-term volunteers who help make the agency a success by awarding them with certificates of appreciation.
Pat Ragland has volunteered with MCCAA for “years-upon-years-upon-years.” She considers herself to be one of the fixtures of the agency when it comes to the work of food distribution. Having served as a volunteer longer than Janice has been an employee, Pat actually helped train Janice when she first came to MCCAA. Pat enjoys what she does as a volunteer and loves the people involved. Her favorite part of volunteering is meeting people and greeting customers. She truly has a heart to serve her community.
Willie Strain was declared disabled after a back surgery in 1997. Now 65, he has been a faithful volunteer for five years. With Osteoarthritis, Willie gets stiff if he stays still too long. Volunteering helps him keep moving to relieve pain and enables him to work and be productive. Helping others has been very therapeutic for him, and he always wears a smile while working.
Emma Jamison has been volunteering with MCCAA for five years. Retired from Delight Products Company, she loves spending her time helping others. She enjoys meeting new people, striking up conversations, and the laughter that ultimately results from those conversations. With a heart that cares for people, she finds her volunteer work to be personally fulfilling and rewarding.
In addition to these long-term volunteers, students from Jo Byrns High School helped move the many boxes to make the distribution a success. Students involved were Jesse Smith, Dalton Sayle, Elizabeth Brooks, Jodi Arms, Garrett Jackson, Carol Dugger, Dillian Speights, and Nolan Hale. These students were part of the Work Based Learning Program, led by Jill Wingo.
On Friday, Feb. 9, students from Robertson County High and Greenbrier High helped sort and pack the boxes. Included here were Madison Jared, Hermangi Patel, Savannah Trewater, Emma Clayborn, Karen Cornett, Cameron Vestal, Grant Corbin, and Jesse Ayers. They were led by their FBLA sponsor, Beverly West. Zachary Elmore and Edwardo Sandoval of Greenbrier High also participated as a part of the Work Based Learning Program.
MCCAA extends its sincerest appreciation to all who volunteered their time. The Robertson County community has been greatly blessed by your efforts. Every community needs hearts that love to serve.
Smokey Barn News (Sponsor/Advertisement)
We bring you ALL the News in and surrounding Robertson County, Tennessee.
