United Way of East Central Alabama hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday at The Bridge in Anniston. The event honored those in our community who give their time and talent to make our community a better place to live.
Tyrel Ramirez was named this year’s “Student Volunteer of the Year.” Mr. Ramirez was nominated by the Independent Reading Council, the non-profit agency where he volunteers his time as a Peer Tutor helping younger students. He is described as an excellent mentor who helps his mom, who is a single parent, with his brothers and sisters and even volunteers to cut the grass for an elderly neighbor.
The title of “Volunteer of the Year” went to Beverly George. Better known to those around her as “Ms. B,” she has given 19 years of dedicated service to the American Red Cross. Ms. George provides an integral part of the mission of the Red Cross as she prepares blood donor collection sets. She celebrated her 89th birthday on April 19th, and she is described as friendly, caring, dependable, and dedicated.
Shirley Thompson, Volunteer Coordinator for United Way, stated, “The luncheon is just our way of saying thanks to these wonderful citizens of our community, and it gives us the opportunity to recognize some very special individuals.”
Around 80 folks attended the luncheon Thursday, and there were a total of 14 volunteers nominated for “Student Volunteer of the Year” and “Volunteer of the Year.”
