Volunteers in Action recognized outstanding volunteer teams and individuals Sunday at the 27th annual BB&T Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Warren County Public Library Bob Kirby Branch.

Ernie Phelps received the Anne Grubbs Spirit of Service Award, which recognizes individuals who excel in quality, length and spirit of service to others. 

Phelps began volunteering at New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding in 2008 and is instrumental in helping NBTR achieve its mission of providing therapeutic horse-riding lessons to individuals with behavioral, mental and physical disabilities.

Saturday Meals received the Team Spirit Award, which recognizes groups who work together to provide service in the community. Utilizing the kitchen at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Saturday Meals program provides some 300 nutritious meals to persons in need each Saturday. 

Presley Nash received the Rookie Award, which recognizes an individual or group who is new to volunteering, starting their service with an organization during the last 24 months. In addition to activities including collecting and donating items for children in foster care and making and selling bracelets to benefit a children’s hospital, the teenager also created Presley’s Promise Homeless Outreach, forgoing her own Christmas gifts to donate to the homeless.

Chick-fil-A received the BB&T Spirit of Community Award, which recognizes an organization or business that merits special recognition for volunteer service in the community. Chick-fil-A in Bowling Green has assisted many community organizations, including Community Education’s Spellabration, Empty Bowls and Teen Angel Donation Blast through donations of food or money. 

Other volunteers recognized include Anice Bishop, Judy Cothern, Vivian Foe, Eloise Hadden, Amy Milliken, Ed Moody, K.C. Moody, Jimmy Nyunt, Celebration Cakes Ministry, Houchens Center Board, SKyPAC Ambassadors, Starbucks on Scottsville Road, Beth Fiss, Greenwood High School Action Team, Judy Sampson and Adaline Wakefield.

Volunteers in Action is made up of a core group of diverse agencies and organizations that rely on the dedication and commitment of community volunteers.