From Leslie Martorana
Volunteer Program Manager
HandsOn River Region
Top Photo: Adult Category Winner Dr Elon Miree Pictured with HandsOn Board President Mike Hogg and Junior League President Elect Quenita Mitchell.
Montgomery, Alabama – Hundreds gathered at Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium Thursday for the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Awards to honor volunteers for their incredible gifts of service and ongoing efforts to improve the lives of others.
Co-sponsored by the Junior League of Montgomery, HandsOn River Region initiated the ceremony 49 years ago after its first year in operation as a way to publicly recognize the outstanding service provided by community volunteers. The following were honored at the ceremony:
Adult – Elon Miree who oversees monthly food drives, job readiness programs and healthcare assistance for the underserved
Adult Group – Air Command and Staff College who are not only dedicated to serving our country but also the community combating hunger through their work with the Montgomery Area Food Bank
Senior – Courtney Tarver who stays busy working with Old Ship AME Zion Church, the Boy Scouts of America, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, AARP Alabama and MACOA’s Meals on Wheels program
Youth – Emily Needham who was instrumental in setting up the new Montgomery Warming Center installing kitchen countertops, staining cabinets, organizing the clothing closet and coordinating a food donation drive.
The joyous occasion was made possible thanks to event sponsors Montgomery Biscuits, AARP Alabama, Goodwyn Building, Montgomery County Commission and Commissioner Ronda Walker.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to publicly thank and honor these civic-minded individuals,” says HandsOn Executive Tasha Cooper, “The 2023 honorees are passionate about their cause, work tirelessly for the greater good and inspire others to become involved.”
HandsOn River Region mobilizes volunteers and connects people, information and services to meet local needs and build a strong, caring community. To learn more, visit www.handsonriverregion.org or call 334-264-3335.
