News Flash

April 26, 2017 - Volunteers helped the city extend more services to residents and saved taxpayers nearly a half million dollars in the past year. That's roughly the equivalent of a half-cent on the real estate tax rate, if the city had paid for the cost of their work. 

At a Spotlight on Citizens award program, a sampling of the 250 citizens who donated 17,906 hours to help city departments were honored. That totals $467,167, based on a wage average from the federal government.

Melvin Hill, a Healthy Families volunteer who wraps Angel Tree gifts, works at fundraisers, and stuffs food and gift bags for those in need, said he learned community service from his time in the military. He believes in giving back, and wanted to share his volunteer spirit with his children. He urged others to join him in giving time to their community.

Other volunteers support the CERT, or Citizens Emergency Response Team; tend to animals at Bluebird Gap Farm; read to youngsters as a part of the Mayors' Book Club; work in schools as part of the Foster Grandparents; or pick up trash with the Hampton Clean City Commission, to name just a few of the services.