Hands On Greenville celebrates contributions of volunteers

United Way’s Hands On Greenville celebrated the contribution of more than 45,000 hours of volunteer community service in 2009-2010 and named its Volunteers of the Year during the organization’s annual volunteer appreciation event on Tuesday, Aug. 17.

In a year that included the merging of Hands On Greenville with longtime partner United Way of Greenville County, 2009-2010 was big year for the organization and its volunteers.

This past year, 3,020 new volunteers joined Hands On Greenville’s existing base of volunteers. There were over 45,741 volunteer opportunities filled, delivering over 45,008 hours of community service throughout Greenville County. The resulting impact is that Hands On Greenville volunteers made an estimated economic contribution of $911,412.

In addition to HOG’s regular volunteer projects, every year it hosts a huge day of service held each May called HOG Day. This year, HOG Day brought together a record 5,427 volunteers at 305 school and partner agency sites throughout Greenville County, for a total of 22,208 hours served in our community in one single day. The 5,427 volunteers represent an increase of more than 1,100 from the previous HOG Day.

“Armed with a new, combined energy and a strengthened commitment, much has been accomplished this past year,” said United Way of Greenville County President Ted Hendry. “It truly wasn’t possible without the unwavering and unprecedented support of our volunteers.”

Two of those volunteers, Tim McLaughlin and Ginny Flessor, were honored Tuesday as HOG’s Volunteers of the Year.

With 288 hours contributed over the past year, McLaughlin’s service with HOG has included volunteering with Greenville Glen Assisted Living, Harvest Hope Food Bank and the Greenville Humane Society. He also has helped at many of the city events downtown, including Fall For Greenville, Main Street Jazz and the Greenville Scottish Games.

McLaughlin said he is driven to volunteer for many reasons, including the friendships he’s made while serving on various projects.

“It is also the sense of knowing the enormous benefit that each volunteers’ efforts can bring to so many deserving people, families and communities,” he said. “And then there is, of course, the underlying feeling of self-fulfillment and humility I get from each opportunity to give back something, if even only my time.”

Flessor received the Volunteer of the Year award for the third year in a row, having contributed 390 hours in 2009-2010. She volunteered with Main Street Jazz, Downtown Alive, Fall For Greenville, Help the Humane Society and Centre Stage.

“I love giving back to my new home that I instantly fell in love with when I moved here five years ago from Chicago,” said Flessor. “And there are so many ways to give back.”

Also Tuesday, Hands On Greenville Advisory Board Chair Guy Hempel of WHNS-FOX Carolina was recognized for his years of service on the board. Hempel will be succeeded by Roberta Etzkorn of O’Neal, Inc., as chair for 2010-2011.

“Guy has provided outstanding leadership this past year,” said Hendry. “He has been a critical part in helping to ensure that Hands On Greenville is on a path towards continued growth and well positioned to be the go-to source for members of our community who are looking to give back through volunteerism.”

For more information or to sign-up to volunteer with HOG, visit www.handsongreenville.org or call 864-242-4224.