May 19, 2025
The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service has presented the 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to 10 recipients from Catawba County.
Their selection for the Governor’s award was based off their 2024 nomination for the Catawba County Giving From the Heart (GFH) Awards.
NC State Award recipients include:
- Jason Keating – Walk With Me Equine Therapy,
- Dana and Josia Florez – NC Cooperative Extension 4-H,
- Luke Wilkinson – The Corner Table,
- Amber Taylor – The Kindness Project Hickory,
- Betty Lynch – Ashure Ministry,
- Denise Bilhorn – Safe Harbor,
- Elizabeth Belvin – Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry,
- Nancy Lipe – Hickory Soup Kitchen,
- Robert Sand – Catawba County Meals on Wheels.
In addition, Darlene Sanders, Exodus Homes volunteer, was chosen as a recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Medallion Award.
Annually, the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors people who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by making a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. The award was created in the Office of the Governor in 1979.
The Catawba County United Way hosts the Giving From the Heart awards each year as a way to recognize the work local volunteers accomplish every day to help those in need.