The Southwest Tennessee Development District recently hosted its Annual Meeting & Recognition Dinner at Madison Downs Venue in Jackson. At the dinner, SWTDD leaders presented Community Star Awards to six organizations/individuals, as well as a posthumous award to a public servant.
SWTDD defines a Community Star as “a steadfast organization that benefits their community by their presence; an organization that consistently offers assistance, support, and encouragement. These organizations are present at events, festivals, disaster cleanups, personal tragedies, and fundraisers. Often, they do not receive the recognition they deserve--not because they lack value, but because their motivations are rooted in genuine care for the community, not accolades.”
Gleaners’ House Thrift Store was presented the “Chester County Community Star” award by Henderson Mayor Terry Bell at the event; Mayor Barry Hutcherson, though unable to attend, sent words of appreciation for the organization. Each county’s award recipient was selected jointly by the city and county mayor that serves on SWTDD’s Executive Committee. Gleaners’ House Thrift Store is a volunteer-run ministry of First Methodist Church in Henderson, Tennessee; it also operates a local food pantry and raises funds to assist Chester County residents with basic necessities. All proceeds from the store directly benefit Chester County residents.
“This recognition is well-deserved and reflects the positive difference this ministry makes in the lives of people in our community. First Methodist Church’s commitment to serving the needs of others has shone brightly in our county for decades,” Chester County Mayor Barry Hutcherson said.
Speaking to Gleaners’ House Thrift Store and First Methodist Church volunteers, Henderson Mayor Terry Bell said, “The impact of Gleaners’ House reaches far beyond the walls of a traditional thrift store. Whether you are providing vital shelter for the homeless, offering a lifeline through utility bill assistance, or wrapping your arms around families who have lost everything to devastating house fires, your ministry embodies the very best of Henderson.”
The seven Community Star award winners were: Gleaners’ House (Chester County), the late Johnny Ralph Maness (Decatur County), Vaughn Oil Company (Hardeman County), Voices of Savannah (Hardin County), West Tennessee Handicap Ramp Builders (Haywood County), West Tennessee Dive Rescue and Recovery (Henderson County), and Stacy and Dwayne Thompson (McNairy County).
Southwest Tennessee Development District serves an eight-county region including Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Haywood, Madison, and McNairy. SWTDD is committed to making a difference in West Tennessee by promoting rural and urban renewal through the improvement of the region’s economic base, physical infrastructure, and better quality of life. For additional information about SWTDD and its programs, visit swtdd.org or call 731-668-7112.
