SALISBURY — Rowan Helping Ministries held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on March 19 at St. John’s Lutheran Church to honor its volunteers for their dedication and service to the community.

More than 200 volunteers, board members and staff gathered for the event with Dennis McCoy, board chair of Rowan Helping Ministries, welcoming attendees and offering opening remarks. Daniel Joyner Miller, senior pastor of the host church, led the gathering in prayer.

The banquet featured an inspirational keynote address by retired journalist David Whisenant titled, “Now, Go Do Something Good,” in which he emphasized the importance of volunteerism and service to the Rowan County community.

Volunteer Manager Marissa Gainey and Director of Crisis Assistance and Food Operations Kristine Wiles recognized Rowan Helping Ministries volunteers for their outstanding service in 2023. Those honored were:

Mike Drinkard, who serves as a Second Helping driver, picking up food donations and delivering it to Rowan Helping Ministries to be distributed to those in need and as an ambassador to First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury, engaging congregation members in opportunities to support the organization.

Debbie Hill, who staffs the ministries’ East Food Pantry, which is located at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. She manages the day-to-day operations of the pantry, from picking up frozen food products to making sure client paperwork is in order, a role she has filled since the pantry opened its doors in 2018.

Circle of Friends, a program of First Baptist Church of Salisbury, which is a group of young adults with intellectual disabilities who partner with mentors and engage in service opportunities. Circle of Friends has supported the ministry since 2019 by packing bags for the organization’s Food for Thought and USDA food programs, which are then distributed to Rowan County students and families facing food insecurity.

Also during the event, Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Kyna Grubb presented the 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, which is awarded annually to North Carolinians who make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Recipients were:

Sabra Mills, who spearheads Rowan Helping Ministries’ Life Coaching program, helping clients achieve stability and self-sufficiency. She has served on the ministries’ board of directors for three years, as well as on their Program Services Committee, advising the organization on how to improve outcomes for clients and guests.

Sheila Prevatte, who has volunteered with the organization since she retired from her nursing career in 2021, serves on its board of directors and chairs the Faith Relations Committee. She also volunteers in the Lower Level each week participating in packing parties for its food programs.

Circle of Friends, which received this award in addition to receiving the 2024 Volunteer Group award.

For more information about Rowan Helping Ministries and available volunteer opportunities, go to www.rowanhelpingministries.org/volunteer.