Helping Hands honors volunteers with annual appreciation luncheon

(ROCKWALL, TX – April 11, 2016) Helping Hands of Rockwall County showed some well-deserved love to its dedicated team of volunteers on Monday, April 11, giving back to those who make up the life force of the agency during its Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held at Culpepper Steak House (309 I-30 Frontage Rd).

Tarren Oswald, director of Assistance and Referral; Melody East, Thrift Store director; Donna Barnette, Health Center clinic manager; and Tiffany Olson (presenting on behalf of Helping Hands Rockwall Development Director Melody Hail, who was unable to attend) recognized the following individuals for their outstanding service and volunteerism with Volunteer Appreciation awards:

Deanne Silverstein (right) accepts the Volunteer Appreciation award from Tarren Oswald and Jon Bailey.

Patricia Mejia
Kendra Jones
Deanne Silverstein
Paul Hamm
Blair Clarke
Steve Sharber
Candice Palacios

Jon Bailey, executive director of Helping Hands of Rockwall County, spoke to the dedication and sacrifice of all who volunteer for the agency and help fulfill its mission to make sure no one throughout Rockwall County goes without food or medical care.

“Helping Hands could not do what we do without each one of you and your volunteerism,” Bailey said. “Your sacrifice, the way you give to this organization for the common mission and vision, is unbelievable. You take time away from your own personal days, from your time with family, and you give sacrificially.”

Helping Hands of Rockwall County invites those throughout the community to become a monthly donor and help keep the agency positioned to mobilize immediately when crisis or disaster strikes. Equally important, monthly contributions provide a steady stream of income to the organization and allow more valuable resources to be directed to program services. To become a monthly donor, simply set up your automatic monthly gift at asp1080.towercare.com:25391/webDonation/.

Story and photos by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News editor/senior reporter.