Good News at Noon recently honored a core group of volunteers whose selfless dedication helped keep the organization’s doors open throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

The group was recognized for helping to ensure that Good News at Noon was able to minister consistently to Gainesville/Hall County’s homeless at a time when its services were needed more than ever and many organizations were forced to close.

“Normally, we are blessed with the support of dozens of volunteers who help prepare and serve meals, staff our clothes closet and help in so many ways,” Executive Director Ken Gossage says.

“During the pandemic that number fell to about a dozen regular volunteers,” he explains. “With only a few staff, the dedication of these volunteers was essential in our continuing to serve our neighbors.”

“Volunteers and donors are the lifeline of our ministry,” board chair Mike Underwood adds.

Honored at the Volunteer Appreciation Lunch were Bernardo Sotelo, Susan Dzenius, Dotty Gabrels, Ruth Allen, Janice Davis, Paige Oudekerk, Dr. Jim Froehlich, Bartley Williams, John King, Kathryn Shy, Beth French, Jackie Meadows, Mike Underwood, Stephanie Persall, Gaynele Freeburn and Fletcher Law.

Absent were Lisa Layne, Cheshire Adams, Manning Davis and Vince Fitzgerald.

Good News at Noon addresses homelessness and hunger by creating environments for reconciliation and restoration in Jesus Christ. With the support of partners, donors and volunteers, Good News at Noon brings hope, dignity and spiritual growth to its neighbors. The organization is accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and is a member of the Citygate Network, North America’s largest community of independent, Christian crisis shelters and life transformation centers. For more information, visit goodnewsatnoon.org.