The Rotary Club of Effingham is accepting nominations for volunteer of the year.

“One of the mottos of Rotary is ‘service above self,’” said Mark Winters, Rotary member. “Rotarians strongly value service to the community. We believe that being actively involved in our community means working to help each other. We also acknowledge that there are others who are serving the community.”

The volunteer of the year awards banquet is the club’s way of recognizing people who share the motto of “service above self,” Winters said.

“We have so many people in our community who help make Effingham a great place to live,” he said. “Those individuals give of their time and resources without thought of recognition or reward. To those individuals, we want to say thank you. These volunteers are the inspiration for what is good and great in Effingham County.”

Each year, agencies nominate volunteers to be recognized. This year’s recognition banquet will be on Feb. 28. Agencies in the county, excluding churches and service groups, are encouraged to nominate a volunteer. Applications will be taken until Feb. 4.

Three of the nominees will be recognized, and their organizations will be awarded. First place is awarded $750, second $500 and third $250 will go to the organization of the volunteer.

Each agency with nominees will be given four free tickets to the recognition banquet. Additional tickets are $12.
In 2007, 15 volunteers were recognized for their work in the community.

Last year Toledo Hatcher was awarded the first place prize for her work with Hospice Savannah. Hatcher was nominated by Beth Logan, who said “Toledo’s husband died under the care of Hospice Savannah. In response, she has given herself to the support of eight patients and their families during the past year. Toledo goes into their homes and makes the final stage of their journey easier.”

Nina Dasher was awarded second place for volunteer of the year for her work with the Arc of Effingham. Dasher was nominated by Amy Holton who said, “Nina is the founder and president of The Arc of Effingham. As such, she voluntarily gathers legal and medical information, attends public forums, informs legislators and the public, supports families, applies for grants and organizes fundraisers.”

Joyce Watson was recognized as third place volunteer of the year for her work with United Way Effingham Service Center. Bonnie Dixon nominated Watson, and said of her work, “Joyce’s home was destroyed by fire. She vowed to return acts of kindness shown to her by caring for others. Three nights per week, she retrieves unsold bread items from a Savannah restaurant for an Effingham food pantry and an elderly feeding program.”

For applications or information contact Mark Winters at 728-7508 or mwinters@effingham.k12.ga.us.