April 22, 2026
BY JOHN BAILEY
Encouraging compassion, meeting people where they are and inspiring others.
These are key characteristics of several volunteers from Catawba County who were recently recognized by the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service with the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award.
They included Zaira Mendoza – volunteer with Catawba County Juntos 4-H Program, Sarah Huffman – volunteer with Catawba Science Center, Robin Martin – volunteer with Fostering Hope Catawba Valley, Marc St. Germain – volunteer with Guardian ad Litem and The Kindness Project Leadership Team (Natalie Auton, Ashley Dellinger, Brittany Dula, Linda Huffman and Amber Taylor).
Created in 1979, this award is an important part of the history and tradition of volunteerism in community service in the state and Catawba County. The selection of these local volunteers for the Governor’s award was based off their 2025 nomination for the Catawba County United Way Giving From the Heart Volunteer Awards.
The 2026 recipients of the Governor’s award will receive a pin and certificate of recognition during this year’s Giving From The Heart luncheon on June 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Conover Station.
Zaira Mendoza – Catawba County Juntos 4-H Program: Zaira has demonstrated a commitment to serving her community through volunteering with Juntos in a variety of service projects with the Catawba County Library, Ashure Ministries, Challenger Early College and Tyndall Preschool. However, her greatest impact has been through her service at The Corner Table and encouraging other youth to get involved.
Sarah Huffman – Catawba Science Center: Sarah has volunteered with Catawba Science Center for over 40 years, and as a retired teacher, she creates an interactive learning space whenever she can throughout the museum. Every visitor is sure to leave with a new passion for exploring science. She communicates with all visitors in a positive, fun and unique way.
Robin Martin – Fostering Hope Catawba Valley: Robin is instrumental in accomplishing the mission of Fostering Hope Catawba: to support the physical, emotional and social needs of children in foster care. She donates her time to help with bookkeeping services, managing and delivering supplies to foster families and is a foster parent herself.
Marc St. Germain – Guardian ad Litem: Marc often remains the one consistent adult figure offering unwavering support and advocacy for children in abuse, neglect or custody cases. He treats children, families and professionals with dignity. His empathetic nature allows him to build trust with his child-clients, which is vital in helping them feel seen, heard and supported.
The Kindness Project Leadership Team – Regardless of the weather conditions, these dedicated individuals can be found every Sunday within the community, providing support to those experiencing food insecurity, including unsheltered individuals, families and seniors in need, by offering a warm meal.
If you know a volunteer of a local nonprofit who goes above and beyond, nominate them for this year’s Catawba County Giving From the Heart Awards - https://www.ccunitedway.com/giving-heart-volunteer-awards or call 828-327-6851.