Nancy Yates, described as a tireless volunteer at the Main Street Mission in China Grove, has received the Community Service Award from the John Knox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The award was presented Feb. 8 during the chapter’s meeting at the Hurley Room of Rowan Public Library.
Each Monday afternoon, Yates interviews people who need help at Main Street Mission. She has consistently volunteered each week for the last three years, showing a caring and loving attitude in her relationships with neighbors in need.
Yates was also one of the organizers for the poverty meal held last October at Mount Zion United Church of Christ in China Grove. The purpose of the event was twofold, as she explained: to feel what it’s like to walk in a neighbor’s shoes, and to keep God’s blessings flowing from ourselves to others.
Since arriving in Rowan County in 2011, Yates volunteered to coordinate the Salisbury-Rowan CROP Walk. The second year she had the vision of doing two walks simultaneously, one in China Grove and one in Salisbury. The results of her efforts have been dramatic, raising participation from 100 to 290 in 2013. Financial support has also increased from an all-time low in 2006 to $17,688 in 2012.
While no one does this alone, the key to the walk is leadership. Nancy has brought much-needed new energy and enthusiasm to the 35-year-old CROP Walk in Rowan County.
The DAR Community Service Award provides an excellent opportunity to recognize worthy individuals for voluntary achievements in cultural, educational, humanitarian, patriotic, historical, citizenship or environmental conservation endeavors.
“Nancy’s work in our community is truly commendable,” said a press release from the chapter. “It is interesting to note that Nancy also received a citizenship award and a generous scholarship from another DAR chapter when she graduated high school. Her high standards of volunteerism continue.”