Governor Henry McMaster, Together SC, United Way Association of South Carolina, and AmeriCorps SC announce 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Award recipients

Honoring the People and Partnerships Powering South Carolina Communities During National Volunteer Month

Governor Henry McMaster, Together SC, United Way Association of South Carolina, and AmeriCorps SC announced the recipients of the 2026 South Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose extraordinary service is strengthening communities across the state.

Announced during National Volunteer Month, these awards celebrate the vital role volunteers play in advancing South Carolina’s communities, demonstrating that when nonprofits, businesses, and individuals come together, Nonprofits Get It Done.

Award recipients will be formally honored by Lt. Governor Pamela Evette on April 22, 2026, at the South Carolina State House following the Nonprofits at the State House Legislative Breakfast.

“Across South Carolina, volunteers are meeting critical needs, building partnerships, and creating lasting impact,” said Karen Riordan, President & CEO of Together SC. “These honorees embody the spirit of our sector, convening communities, advocating for solutions, and partnering for greater good.”

2026 Governor’s Volunteer Award Recipients

Lifetime of Service Honoree: Edward Thomas “Tom” Russell

Founder of Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, Tom Russell has dedicated more than two decades to ensuring children with cancer, and their families, have access to life-saving care and support. What began as a small volunteer effort in Spartanburg has grown into a regional model serving more than 2,800 children annually. At age 89, Russell’s unwavering commitment has helped eliminate barriers to treatment, particularly for rural and low-income families, ensuring no child faces cancer alone.

Nominated by: Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas

Legacy Volunteer of the Year: Fran Hawk

For over 40 years, Fran Hawk has championed literacy, education, and family well-being across Charleston County. A former educator and school board leader, she has mobilized communities to support children through initiatives like the Lowcountry Literacy Project and “I’m Special” program. Her ability to convene educators, families, and partners has created sustainable systems of support, leaving a legacy that continues to empower generations of students.

Nominated by: Lowcountry Literacy Project

Direct Service Volunteer of the Year: Alnisa “Neetcie” Gist

Alnisa Gist has been the backbone of Help for Our Elderly, Inc. in Spartanburg, volunteering more than 40 hours a week since 2021. From coordinating volunteers to managing daily operations and serving over 600 elderly and disabled clients each month, she ensures every individual is met with dignity, compassion, and care. Her hands-on leadership exemplifies the power of direct service to meet immediate community needs.

Nominated by: Help for Our Elderly, Inc.

Disaster Recovery Volunteer of the Year: David Collins

David Collins has played a vital role in rebuilding and strengthening food systems for the Wassamasaw Tribe following Hurricane Helene. Through physically demanding recovery work – restoring infrastructure, supporting food production, and expanding distribution capacity – Collins has helped ensure long-term food security and resilience for both tribal members and the surrounding community. His leadership demonstrates how volunteerism fuels recovery and sustainability.

Nominated by: Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians

AmeriCorps SC Volunteer of the Year: Jazmine K. Dinkins

Jazmine Dinkins has completed four consecutive AmeriCorps service terms, contributing over 1,000 hours supporting individuals with disabilities, ALICE families, and youth across South Carolina. From advancing financial literacy to mentoring young people, her service reflects a deep commitment to fairness and opportunity. Dinkins’ work exemplifies how national service strengthens communities by meeting people where they are and building pathways forward.
Nominated by: United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties

Youth Volunteer of the Year: Savannah Michelle Basile

A high school senior, Savannah Basile volunteers approximately 30 hours each month supporting individuals with disabilities through programs like Grand Strand Miracle Leagues and Special Olympics. Serving as a one-on-one buddy, she creates inclusive environments where participants feel valued, confident, and connected. Her consistency, compassion, and leadership reflect the next generation of changemakers shaping stronger, more inclusive communities.

Nominated by: Grand Strand Miracle Leagues

Community Leader of the Year: Niyana Presha Thorpe

At just 19, Niyana Thorpe is already a powerful voice for youth health and resilience. As a cancer survivor and leader in the Beyond the Battle program, she has contributed over 100 volunteer hours by mentoring peers, facilitating discussions, and advancing cancer education. Her lived experience and leadership create safe, empowering spaces for young people navigating complex health challenges.

Nominated by: South Carolina Cancer Alliance

Robin Burns Volunteer Administrator of the Year: Andrew Peiffer

Andrew Peiffer has transformed volunteer engagement into a force multiplier for impact. At Charleston Animal Society and previously at Lowcountry Food Bank, he has mobilized thousands of volunteers, contributing tens of thousands of service hours annually, to support animal welfare, disaster response, and food distribution. His strategic leadership demonstrates how strong volunteer systems expand organizational capacity and community impact.

Nominated by: Charleston Animal Society

Business Volunteer Group of the Year: Michelin North America (US 2, US 8, and US 10 Plant Volunteers)

For nearly a decade, Michelin employees have partnered with The Champions Center for Special Children, contributing hundreds of volunteer hours and critical resources. From building accessible playgrounds to supporting families in crisis, their hands-on service and financial contributions have expanded care for children with complex medical needs, demonstrating the powerful role businesses play as community partners.

Nominated by: The Champions Center for Special Children

Community Volunteer Group of the Year: USC School of Medicine Greenville Make-A-Wish Interest Group

This remarkable group of medical students brings light and hope to children facing critical illnesses. Even amid the demands of their studies, they walk hand in hand with families, leading with compassion and empathy. Through personalized support at every step of the wish journey, they help transform moments of hardship into cherished memories filled with joy and possibility.

Disaster Recovery Volunteer Group of the Year: American Red Cross

Following Hurricane Helene, American Red Cross volunteers played a central role in long-term recovery across South Carolina. By coordinating resources, supporting case management, and strengthening local recovery systems, their work helped communities move from crisis to stability, demonstrating the power of collaboration in times of need.

Nominated by: Habitat for Humanity of South Carolina

 

About the Governor’s Volunteer Awards

Each of the 2026 South Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Award honorees reflects the power of service to strengthen and unite our communities. Whether through individual dedication or collective action, their work shows that when people come together, real change happens.

During National Volunteer Month, we are reminded that these stories matter. They deserve to be told, shared, and carried forward, not only to celebrate impact, but to inspire others to step in, give back, and be part of something bigger.

Because across South Carolina, we see it every day: when communities convene, partners step up, and volunteers lead with purpose, Nonprofits Get It Done.