Volunteers of the Year Awards

SUSAN HARMON,

Anne Grubbs Spirit of Service Award recipient

Susan has been a dedicated volunteer with Toys for Tots of Southern Kentucky for nearly 15 years, playing a vital leadership role as the Warren County Telephone Coordinator. In this position, she organizes and manages the call-in system for families requesting Christmas assistance, coordinating volunteer shifts for nearly 70 hours each week over four weeks. Each season, over 1,000 families in Warren County are served through this process. Susan also compiles and manages a detailed spreadsheet of approved families, which is shared with local agencies like the Salvation Army to prevent duplication of services and used during toy distribution. Her exceptional time management, organizational skills, and commitment are central to the success of Toys for Tots’ efforts in Warren County. Beyond the phones, she actively participates in shopping, sorting, distributing toys, and fundraising. Susan’s hundreds of annual volunteer hours—and thousands over the years—have helped bring holiday joy to over 14,000 children in Warren County alone in 2024. Her tireless dedication, leadership, and love for children make her an invaluable part of Toys for Tots and a truly deserving nominee for the Anne Grubbs Spirit of Service Award.

ANNE GRUBBS SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD will recognize the person excelling in quality, length, and spirit of service to others.

BLUEGRASS SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES,

Team Spirit Award recipient

Saturday Meals is honored to nominate Bluegrass Supply Chain Services for the Team Spirit Award in recognition of their outstanding commitment to community service.

As the only business partner among 14 supporting groups, Bluegrass stands out for going above and beyond, with employees like Nissy and Kim regularly volunteering their personal time, apart from their normal sponsored days, to deliver meals. Their support is especially critical during our Christmas efforts, where they provide funding, volunteers, and essential supplies to help distribute extra food to families in need. Beyond their work with us, Bluegrass actively supports other initiatives, such as Hope House Ministries’ Affordable Christmas program and the Kosair Kids Holiday Party, where their team brings joy to local children. Unlike nonprofits with service-focused missions, Bluegrass gives purely out of a deep sense of corporate responsibility and community care. Their actions reflect a genuine culture of service and a lasting commitment to making a difference. For these reasons, we proudly nominate Bluegrass Supply Chain Services, whose spirit of teamwork and generosity sets a powerful example for others.

TEAM SPIRIT AWARD will recognize those groups who work together to provide volunteer service in the community.

ARRINGTON RICHER,

Rising Star Award recipient

Arrington’s compassion and drive have transformed animal welfare in Allen County. What began as volunteering every Saturday in early 2024—socializing shelter pets and sharing their photos online—quickly grew into a full-scale movement. By October, she founded Friends of Allen County Animal Shelter, a nonprofit that now organizes adoption events, fundraisers, and community outreach to support the local animal shelter. Her efforts have boosted adoption rates, attracted much-needed attention to the shelter, and inspired others to get involved. Arrington is also working to establish a spay and neuter fund to benefit both shelter pets and community animals. Through her leadership, dedication, and vision, she has brought lasting change to the shelter and ignited a wave of compassion across the community. Arrington truly exemplifies the spirit of the Rising Star Award and the power of one person to make a difference.

RISING STAR AWARD will recognize an individual or team who is new to volunteering and gaining momentum with your organization.

LOUANNA BOBLETT,

Young Leader Award recipient

Louanna, is being nominated in recognition of her exceptional leadership in the Toys for Tots program in Russell County, Kentucky. As part of the Navy JROTC program, Louanna has played a key role in growing Toys for Tots within her county. Over the past three years, she has coordinated toy drives, placed collection boxes, and built strong partnerships with local businesses. Louanna has also taken on public relations efforts, working with radio stations to boost support. She has led the cadets in organizing a shopping area for families, overcoming challenges like coordinating childcare to maintain the surprise for children on Christmas morning. Additionally, Louanna has expanded Toys for Tots’ reach by organizing visits to daycares, Head Start programs, and nursing homes to ensure those in need receive gifts. Her dedication to Toys for Tots and the NJROTC program exemplifies strong leadership, and her contributions have significantly impacted her community. Louanna is more than deserving of the Young Leader Award.

YOUNG LEADER AWARD will recognize an individual or team who is 18 years old or younger providing volunteer service in the community.

FLORA TEMPLETON STUART ACCIDENT INJURY LAWYERS,

Spirit of Community Award recipient

Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers is more than a law firm—they are a driving force for good in our community. Through their unwavering commitment to volunteerism and support of local nonprofits, they demonstrate what it truly means to serve others.

According to their website, “Our law firm is in the community to make a difference in the lives of others.” Through their dedicated support and involvement with numerous organizations and events, they don’t just say these words, but actually live them out in our area.

Their impact reaches across a wide spectrum—from youth mentorship and education to food security, public safety, the arts, and more. They have given generously of their time and talents to groups like the Boys and Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County, Habitat for Humanity, Refuge BG, and the International Center. They’ve stood beside our firefighters, law enforcement, educators, veterans, and foster families—lifting up our community in every way imaginable.

Whether it’s supporting children through Toys for Tots of Southern Kentucky, the Buddy House, and Community Education’s Safe Seats | Safe Kids program, advocating for animals with local humane societies, or helping to make events like Duncan Hines Days and Concerts in the Park come to life, they show up with heart, purpose, and a spirit of service.

Their partnership with over 40 organizations—including Amazing Angels, Lost River Cave, The HIVE, and Stuff the Bus Foundation—is a testament to their deep roots in Southern Kentucky and their belief in building a brighter future for all.

 

SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD is selected by the Executive Committee of Volunteers in Action and recognizes an organization or business that merits special recognition for its volunteer service in the community.