Local Habitat volunteer named Construction Volunteer of the Year in Tennessee

 

Submitted

Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County has been blessed by many, many wonderful volunteers.

Each year, Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee holds a state conference in Murfreesboro. Awards are given in several areas recognizing those that have gone above and beyond. The 59 Habitat affiliates in the state are given the opportunity to nominate volunteers for three categories: ReStore Volunteer, Construction Volunteer, and Volunteer Leadership.

Colleen Dudley, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee, announced that this year there were more nominations than ever before. Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County’s chief operating officer, Tim Marcum, nominated Jim Hardy of Oliver Springs for construction volunteer of the year. In his nomination letter, Marcum said that Hardy is his hero, working tirelessly during the week on construction projects, working on every house since 2006.

Jim and Mary Ann Hardy, along with Jim Bailey, were the originators of the Myrick Build, The House that Love Built, honoring Tim and Teresa Myrick. The Hardys contributed $10,000 to this build and also put many hours into raising additional funds for this new build in Heiskell. The state selection board honored Jim Hardy with the award!

The Hardys came to the Awards Dinner in Murfreesboro so that Jim could be present to accept his award.

The staff of Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County was very proud to be present and be a part of honoring Hardy. Charlotte Bowers, executive director; Marcum and his wife Kim; Heather Segal, finance director; Donna Mosby, family services coordinator; and Debbie Shepherd, volunteer coordinator, were openly emotional as Mr. Hardy gave his acceptance speech.

“I am honored and deeply humbled to be selected for this award knowing that so many others throughout the state have put so much time and effort into building houses with Habitat for Humanity,” Hardy said.

The staff and Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County want the community to know how thankful they are for all that Jim and Mary Ann Hardy have done for this affiliate. The goal has been met for the Myrick Build; additional donations will be put towards another house to be built in Andersonville.

For information on donating, volunteering, or Habitat’s programs for homeownership or house repair, please call the office at (865) 482-7713. The office and the ReStore are located in Grove Center in Oak Ridge.