The event — “Volunteers, The Heart of the Community” — will begin at noon in the Allred Building Auditorium on the hospital campus, 1901 N. Hwy. 87.

The Volunteer Services Council Awards luncheon, organized by the hospital administration and the Community Relations office, recognizes hourly milestones in volunteers’ careers. Pins are awarded in hours ranging from 100 to 25,000 hours.

More than 100 volunteers donated a total of 7,000 hours this past year, Community Relations Director Billie Christie-Morgan said.

State Rep. Joe Heflin, D-Crosbyton, is the keynote speaker and is expected to give a brief overview on the history of the volunteer organization and highlight the many areas in which patients have benefitted from volunteers’ hands-on and financial assistance.

For example, volunteers funded the construction of a Meditation Garden and Waterfall for patients with proceeds from last year’s “Cars and Stars” fund-raiser. This year’s “Cars, Stars and Handlebars” event, scheduled for April 25, is expected to fund a Family Visitation Center.  

The council’s most prestigious award — the Jack Y. Smith Award — will be presented Thursday to the volunteer who best exemplifies the council’s commitment to serving the more than 200 hospital patients, Christie-Morgan said. Jack Y. Smith was one of Big Spring State Hospital’s earliest and most ardent supporters.

“It is always the highlight of the luncheon,” Christie-Morgan said. “It’s especially touching because Jack’s son, Steve, and widow, Edna Faye, attend and present the award.”

For reservations, call the Community Relations office at 268-7535. the luncheon is free to volunteers and those who would like to volunteer.

Tickets for the Cars, Stars and Handlebars fund-raiser will be available at the luncheon.