The Rotary Club of Effingham County conducted its 2021 Herb Jones Volunteer of the Year awards ceremony on Thursday at New Ebenezer Retreat Center in honor of Effingham County volunteers.

The Herb Jones Volunteer of The Year award is given to distinguished volunteers who exhibit a passion to give their time and energy in service to a local organization’s mission. The Rotary Club of Effingham County felt it is only fitting fto honor Effingham County volunteers each year with a service award bearing Jones’ name.

Throughout his life, Jones has answered the call to service with willing hands, a servant’s heart and a humble spirit. At the evening’s event, the Rotary Club of Effingham County applauded the service of Effingham County’s many volunteer organizations by presenting the 2021 Herb Jones Volunteer of the Year Award. 

The club considers it a privilege to recognize the volunteers who give countless hours to help others in the name of someone who has spent a lifetime in service above self.

Ray Parker of the Effingham County Manna House is the 2021 recipient. Parker volunteers his time with the Food Pantry, volunteering nearly 200 hours in 2020.

Through his example, Parker, has increased awareness for the organization’s mission as well as inspired 19 of his friends and family members to volunteer for the Manna House.

In addition, Bonnie McIver of Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center was the first runner-up. She was followed by second runner-up James Carlson of the Effingham Health System Foundation. Honorable mentions went to Cleveland Williams of Rincon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12149 and Connie Bazemore of Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County.

The Rotary Club of Effingham thanks all of this years nominees for their service and dedication to our local not-for profit organizations as well as their service to the community.