When Action Meets Compassion, Lives Change

 

May 12, 2026 (ALBEMARLE, NC) Tillery Compassionate Care recently held a banquet to celebrate and recognize the agency’s volunteers. The banquet was held on April 20 at Atrium Stanly’s Special Events Center. Corey Jenkins & Seth Austin, a musical duo, provided a fun and memorable experience for the volunteers and their guests.

Volunteer Coordinator Hailey Black welcomed the crowd with words of gratitude. “Every day, our volunteers bring compassion, presence, and heart to the people we serve. “The time you share and the kindness you offer truly make a profound difference. Tonight is about celebrating you — your generosity, your spirit, and the impact you make across our community.”

Volunteers were treated to a delicious meal served by Tillery Compassionate Care staff, a gesture meant to honor their service and show appreciation for the time and compassion they give throughout the year. After dessert, staff presented awards and gifts to recognize volunteers for their dedication, service milestones, and the meaningful impact they make in the community.

 

 

 

 

Awards presented at the banquet include:

10 years of service

Linda Almond

Dean Springer

15 years of service

Trina Griffin

20 years of service

Dianne Burton

Walt Deppe

The Heart of Hospice award -35 years of service

Donna Rubio

1,500+ hours

Robert “Bob” Johnson

2,500+ hours

Dianne Burton and William “Bill” Randle

7,000+ hours

Patsy Mills

Most Overall Hours

Patsy Mills

Most Administrative Hours

Patsy Mills

Most Fundraising Hours

Deborah Watkins

Most Direct Patient Care Hours

Kayren Brantley

Newcomer of the Year

Thomas Ravo

Volunteers of the Year

Deborah Watkins

Lou Page

Chief Executive Officer Lori Thayer, RHIA, also expressed appreciation for the volunteers’ dedication. “When someone chooses to volunteer, they are choosing to give a piece of themselves — their time, their energy, their care — freely and wholeheartedly. Our volunteers embody the very best of who we are as an organization. Their compassion strengthens our mission and touches the lives of every patient and family we serve. We are deeply grateful for the remarkable ways they show up for our community.”

For more details on the volunteer program at Tillery Compassionate Care, please call 704.983.4216 or visit Hospice Volunteer Opportunities | Tillery Compassionate Care

Hospice of Stanly County, Inc., dba Tillery Compassionate Care, a nonprofit organization, was founded through the grassroots efforts of people in the community, and it continues to be governed locally by a board of directors.  Through the generosity of many, Tillery Compassionate Care has provided care to nearly 8,500 terminally ill residents since 1981.  At Tillery Compassionate Care, we spark inspiration, hope, and peace, enabling individuals with serious illness to embrace their spirit of life. More information about hospice, palliative care, bereavement, and advanced care planning is available from Tillery Compassionate by calling 704.983.4216 or visiting tillerycompassionatecare.org.