From Staff Reports
Gaston County commissioners and United Way of Gaston County recognized the 2020 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award recipients at a recent commissioners work session.
The Governor s Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, groups and businesses that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service, according to a United Way press release.
Any person, group, or entity from the public, non-profit and private sector may be nominated for an award to their county award coordinator.
County award coordinators submit their top 10 volunteer nominations per county. There are categories for the type of nominee (senior, youth, faith-based, family, group, business, etc.).
Gaston County s Monica Canipe was recognized Tuesday night by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper for steadfast volunteer efforts spanning more than 15 years.
Canipe, who volunteers for Gaston County s adult nutrition program, earned plaudits for her steadfast efforts with the 2020 Governor s Volunteer Service Award.
The award, first created in 1979, recognizes North Carolina s most dedicated volunteers.
Canipe s efforts are focused on the adult nutrition program s Cherryville site, according to Amanda Dawson, the program s volunteer supervisor. Dawson nominated Canipe for going above and beyond the duties that one would normally expect from a volunteer.
“During her time as acting site monitor, she effectively coordinates volunteers delivering for that week, ensures timeliness in executing programs for our congregate meal participants, calls in accurate meal orders, and maintains an immaculately clean meal site,” said Dawson.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award.
The awards program, created by the Office of the Governor in 1979, recognizes North Carolina’s most dedicated volunteers. Through the years, the award has been bestowed on thousands of North Carolinians who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by volunteering in their local community.
A local committee will evaluate the nominations.
Each county selects up to 10 individuals, businesses, groups/teams and one paid director of volunteers to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their communities. One of the nominees will be nominated for the Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service, which is awarded to the top 20 volunteers in the state.