A big crowd of family and friends was on hand for the big surprise. A compassionate nurse, Amy had a good idea.... that became The Medical Mission Clinic, an outreach of Thomson First United Methodist Church.
Who can forget the late-night tornadoes that ripped through the CSRA during Masters weekend, in early April? Countless volunteers stepped into action to help their neighbors and get others to safety. Josh Key is one of those heroes. The owner of Beech Island Timber worked throughout the night to clear Highway 278, putting his life on the line, fighting downed trees and power lines. That's why he's our Giving Your Best award winner, and as Jennie Montgomery explains, he won't accept the accolades just for himself.
Beech Island's Robert Kelly is a real hero in his hometown. And dozens of his friends and family were on hand when we surprised him with the Giving Your Best Award.
Who knew that crayons and coloring books could make such a big difference in the lives of children. Well this months 'Giving Your Best' winners know just how important it is to show you care. This brother and sister were nominated for the 'Giving Your Best Award' because they created a diseaster relief project called "Backpack Buddie Bags."
Family and friends were on hand when our cameras surpised Linda Hammond, and they were quick to point out that Linda's pet project is the Foundation's Christmas toy drive. They say, just like Santa... Linda is a committee of one. And she's not about to let any little boys or girls wake up to an empty stocking on Christmas morning.
Patsy and Eddie Skinner used to fix a few sandwiches & drinks and pass them out to people who live in "The Bottom," an area around Gordon Highway and Old Savannah Road. But their mission has grown into a full hot meal, every Wednesday... because Patsy believes it gives people something to look forward to in the middle of their week. As Jennie Montgomery tells us...Patricia Patterson heard about the Skinners' dinners when she moved in with her grandmother.
Ms. Hazen works as a Community Specialist for the Deparment of Juvenile Justice, but when she's not on-the-job, she's still helping people in crisis. She volunteers with the Aiken County help line, the Red Cross, and Riverbanks Zoo.
This month's Giving Your Best Award winner is one of the youngest ever. Michelle White is just 11-years-old...and she has already made a big difference in her community. And, as WJBF News channel 6's Jennie Montgomery explains, she proves that young peole can contribute a lot...and make a huge impact on the people around them.
Chester Plecha has a full time job but still manages to find the time to help where ever there's a need...Columbia County workers arranged the surprise visit when we presented chester with the Giving Your Best Award... a volunteer with many county agencies, chester also donates his time to Brandon Wilde, the paralyzed veterans association, and hurricane victims in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Daniel and Renne Kaufman are truly special people.
They volunteer their time to make sure children of disadvantaged parents hear the word of God. We stopped by to award them for their work in the community.
Hephzibah High School has a giant of a man in coach Neely Lovett. He touches so many lives through his positive attitude toward life, even when life has dealt him some hard breaks. A leader on the sports field, in the classroom, and in his church, Neely makes time to reach out to kids by offering them summer activities, special mentoring programs, and the chance to play sports, instead of getting into trouble.