Inspiring Impact: Our Volunteer Of The Year Winners

Ron Alford, alongside his wife, serves the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), an organization committed to aiding those who have lost a military member or veteran due to suicide, combat, military accidents, or other causes. With a global presence, TAPS has been instrumental in providing care and healing for the families and friends of fallen service members, helping them find solace and connection amidst their grief.

Demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to the cause, they have traveled at their own expense to various events organized by TAPS. Their involvement ranges from setting up venues and supporting staff during events to dismantling setups post-event. This behind-the-scenes work is crucial in ensuring that TAPS events run smoothly and effectively reach out to those in need.

Beyond logistical support, Ron’s interactions with attendees are profoundly impactful. Engaging with survivors offers both heartwarming moments of connection and heart-wrenching insights into the depth of loss experienced by families. These interactions underscore the vital importance of the TAPS mission in fostering healing communities.

Through his volunteer work with TAPS, Ron exemplifies how individual dedication can significantly impact lives touched by tragedy. His efforts contribute to building a supportive network for those navigating the loss of a loved one.

Lynn Hogan exemplifies dedication through her extensive volunteer work with Rebecca’s Garden of Hope (RGOH). RGOH is committed to improving the lives of at-risk youth in Orlando, Florida, providing mentoring, tutoring, and support programs aimed at fostering educational success and healthy lifestyles.

Since joining RGOH five years ago, Lynn has taken on multiple roles that have impacted the organization and its participants. Her contributions range from serving as a board member and treasurer to leading fundraising and grant writing/administration, where she helped to fundraise $16,000 and secured over $30,000 in grant funds to support educational programs for the youth.

One memorable event she organized was a STEM challenge inspired by a Parsons project, where children built safe ramps for toy cars—a testament to her innovative approach to education. Lynn finds her greatest sense of accomplishment in witnessing her mentees’ growth and success—several participants graduate high school each year pursuing post-secondary education, many being first-generation college students.

Lynne’s commitment to ROGH highlights how individual dedication can transform lives by providing opportunities for education advancement and personal development among vulnerable youth populations. Through her multifaceted volunteer roles, Lynn continues to make a lasting mark on both RGOH and its participants’ futures.

Erica Camp’s commitment to giving back is evident through her work with Second-Hen’d, a St. Louis, Missouri, based organization dedicated to rescuing ex-commercial egg-laying hens from slaughter, providing them with loving homes where they can live out their natural lives.

Her innovative program “Chooks with Books”, initially designed for a local school for children with autism, expanded to additional schools and libraries. Through this program, Erica combines storytelling with interactive sessions where children can engage with friendly pet chickens. This unique approach not only educates but also fosters empathy and understanding among the young participants.

In addition to promoting literacy and animal welfare, Erica’s work spreads awareness about the therapeutic benefits of chickens for individuals dealing with PTSD/anxiety/depression—including disabled veterans like herself—as well as those facing autism, memory loss, and ADHD, among other challenges. Her dedication extends to addressing food insecurity, where she has been instrumental in donating over 3,000 eggs to local food banks, ensuring families in need have access to fresh nutrition.

At its core, Second-Hen’d aims to be a catalyst for change—a vision that Erica embodies every day through her unwavering dedication and compassionate actions. By building strong relationships within her community and advocating for both animal welfare and human well-being, Erica exemplifies what it means to be an agent of change in today’s world.

We’d also like to spotlight Timothy Krispin who was an additional standout among this year’s Volunteer of the Year applicants.

Timothy’s work with the Sparks 4-H Tech Club in Maryland gives kids ages 8–18 a firsthand STEM learning experience through robotics, computer programming, computer-assisted design (CADD), 3D printing, and basic mechanical engineering principles, reaching 400 youth through community service. He was recognized by the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (RECF) as a STEM Inspiration All-Star and inducted into their STEM Hall of Fame.

We’d also like to spotlight Jennifer Graf who was an additional standout among this year’s Volunteer of the Year applicants.

Jennifer’s work with Saving Grace (SG) helps lower dog euthanasia rates and promotes adoptions in North Carolina. She works a weekly shift where she cares for 50 dogs and has directly fostered 13 dogs in her home. She’s considered the “Small Dog Whisperer” among volunteers, often transforming special needs dogs into adoptable dogs, increasing each dog’s chance to join their fur-ever home.