- April 24, 2024
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Flagler Volunteer Services Inc. and Flagler County Public Schools partnered to celebrate National Volunteer Week and to honor a group of volunteers at “A Year to Celebrate” Thursday, April 7, at the Flagler Auditorium.
Jean MacAllister, volunteer coordinator, said to the volunteers: “This night is for you, and it is a celebration of you. Thank you.”
The volunteers were evaluated by a panel of residents based on their impact on Flagler County, amount of time spent, and level of involvement in local volunteer groups.
Lt. Steven Garnes was honored with an Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award for his hours logged with the Palm Coast Volunteer Fire Police. In 2010, Garnes attended every emergency incident when paged, totaling 429.
Miss Matanzas Marielena Dias was also awarded with an Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award. She is a volunteer with Flagler County Library Young Adult Services, Flagler Volunteer Services, Flagler County Public Schools, and is a Matanzas High School Board Member. She founded the Hispanic American Youth Club and at age 10 created Helping Hands of Palm Coast Inc. She plans to attend the University of Florida in the fall and is known as an “achiever and a doer,” by her fellow volunteers.
“Marielena possesses sincerity, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to give back to the community and is an excellent role model for her peers,” said Sharon Fiske, young adult coordinator of Flagler County Library.
Patty Mercer volunteers at Florida Hospital Flagler and received an Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award for logging more than 5,000 hours at the hospital. Fellow volunteer Kitty Van Horn said, “Patty wears many hats and goes the extra mile as president, taking time to encourage others.”
John Poage, president of Flagler Volunteer Services also spoke to the group. He said, “I want you to understand how valuable all of you are as individuals.”
For more on volunteering, visit www.flaglervolunteer.org.
