After 26 years of distinguished service as a U.S. Navy Senior Chief, Eliot Carlson chose not to retire from service—but to redefine it. As the volunteer Executive Director of Hero Kids Foundation (HKF), Eliot channels his lifelong commitment to duty into supporting military and first responder families through innovative, healing focused programs. Under his leadership, HKF has achieved a 20% increase in funding and launched its first formal volunteer program, mobilizing more than 400 volunteers in 2024. Eliot’s strategic partnerships have expanded the organization’s reach, creating lasting community connections and ensuring sustainability for years to come. His creativity and compassion...

Justin Stimpson knows the difference a bike can make to a middle school student in Cumberland County; it wasn’t so long ago that he was in their shoes. Now a member of the Hampden Sydney College class of 2023, he continued a lifelong passion for helping his community even after he left for college. As a dedicated member of the Cycling Club and Omicron Delta Kappa honor fraternity, he led the "Cares for Kids Taking Flight" program to give back to students in his hometown. Seeing the challenges facing middle school students today, Justin saw an opportunity for the program...

Bob Gilbert dedicated his life to service, leaving an enduring legacy in Rockbridge County and at Natural Bridge State Park. From his early involvement in the Ruritan Club to his leadership on the Rockbridge County School Board, Bob exemplified servant leadership, giving tirelessly of his time, talent, and heart to strengthen his community. As President of the Friends of Natural Bridge State Park, Bob guided transformative initiatives that enhanced accessibility, preservation, and educational programming. His vision brought additional full-time staff to the park, created the Children’s Discovery Area—a certified Nature Explore Classroom—and established the park’s first professionally designed disc golf...

Congratulations to Shreyaa Venkat of Ashburn - winner of the 2019 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Youth Volunteer! Shreyaa, a junior at Broad Run High School in Ashburn, was determined to make a difference when she saw the number of homeless people who didn't have access to food. To combat this issue, she started an organization called “NEST4US” (New Environment Starts Today) to increase awareness and action around food waste reduction, as well as rescue and redistribute edible foods to those in need. Through the NEST4U Sandwich Assembly Projects, more than 250 volunteers have fed more than...

Congratulations to Olivia Gilbert - winner of the 2020 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Youth Volunteer! You could say Olivia Gilbert has been volunteering all her life. When 13-year-old Olivia was just four years old she began sending care packages to her cousin, Drew's, unit in Afghanistan. After Drew returned to the U.S. she began collecting food at her birthday parties for the Prince George Food Bank. In 2014, she began collecting food from her school and later expanded to collecting donations from her after school care organization and dance classmates. Today she receives donations from family,...

Congratulations to Betty L. Robinette of Wytheville - winner of the 2021 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Senior Volunteer! For people who live in rural areas, fighting hunger is a serious issue. Communities like Southwest Virginia face a number of challenges – from scarcity of grocery stores and food pantries compounded with a lack of transportation to diminishing job opportunities and higher rates of unemployment. This is where Betty Robinette saw a growing need and did more than step into make a difference. Betty was the catalyst that started the Community Food Kitchen in 2012. When the...