City recognized for volunteerism

On hand in Little Rock last week as Piggott was honored as a 2007 Volunteer Community of the Year were, from left- Clay County Human Services director Duane Dutka, State Rep. Mike Patterson, Gov. Mike Beebe, Mayor Gerald Morris and city clerk Ramona Magee. Also in attendance, but not pictured, was city attorney John Lingle.
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On hand to accept the award were Piggott mayor Gerald Morris, county human services director Duane Dutka, city clerk Ramona Magee and city attorney John Lingle. Also in attendance was State Rep. Mike Patterson, a resident of Piggott.

The application for the award was authored by Dutka, as he documented the thousands of hours of volunteer time that are donated each year. The application notes that over 1,000 local volunteers donate over 80,000 hours a year to the betterment of Piggott.

The document also highlights volunteer efforts involved with the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum, Relay for Life, the annual Christmas toy drives and the 50th anniversary celebration of "A Face in the Crowd". It was also noted that local volunteers were used when the movie was originally filmed in Piggott back in 1956.

In his letter in support of the nomination, Morris noted that the city's 23-member fire department is made up entirely of volunteers who are, in his words, "very dedicated and experienced, and protect our community 24 hours a day." He added that the volunteer efforts of the annual "Relay for Life" make it one of the most successful campaigns per capita in the state.

The application also outlined the efforts of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, last fall's charity bike run which included a stop in Piggott, and the work of the 300-plus volunteers it takes to put on the Fourth of July picnic each summer.

"Volunteers caring and sharing is a way of life in Piggott," Dutka noted in the application. "Volunteering is contagious in Piggott. Anytime a new cause is found, volunteers rush to ask, "How can I help?".

The other cities recognized this year included Caraway (the only first-time winner), Clarkridge, Dumas, El Dorado, Ft. Smith, Heber Springs, Maumelle, Mt. Home, North Little Rock, Texarkana and Van Buren.

The annual award is sponsored by the Governor's office, Arkansas Municipal League and the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Volunteerism. It's supported by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, who provides signs announcing the designation for each of the communities involved.