Celebrating the Heart of Our Community - VOLUNTEERS.
United Way honors youth volunteers in Whitfield and Murray counties whose service has exemplified a commitment to bring hope, promise, and opportunity to the lives of others. Students who earned a Volunteer Service Award will receive the award at their school's awards banquet or from the school counseling office.
The United Way Volunteer Service Award
Any individual, family, or group can receive the United Way Volunteer Service Award for volunteer service hours earned over 12 months or over the course of a lifetime at home or abroad.
The following are the eligibility requirements for each age group:
Kids: Age 5-10
Teens: 11-15
Young Adults: Individual Age 16-25
Adults: Individual Age 26 +
Family & Groups: Two or more people, each contributing at least 25 hours toward the total.
Volunteer Service Award Criteria
Bronze Level
Kids: 26 to 49 hours
Teens: 50 to 74 hours
Young Adults: 100 to 174 hours
Adults: 100 to 249 hours
Family & Groups: 200 to 499 hours
Silver Level
Kids: 50 to 74 hours
Teens: 75 to 99 hours
Young Adults: 175 to 249 hours
Adults: 250 to 499 hours
Family & Groups: 500 to 999 hours
Gold Level
Kids: 75 hours or more
Teens: 100 hours or more
Young Adults: 250 hours or more
Adults: 500 hours or more
Family & Groups: 1000 hours or more
Youth & Volunteer Awards Celebration
Each spring, we honor the incredible youth and volunteers who go above and beyond to serve our community at our Youth & Volunteer Awards Celebration.
Last year’s event was a meaningful evening filled with gratitude, inspiration, and powerful stories of impact. We are so proud to recognize the individuals who make a difference every single day across Northwest Georgia.
Take a moment to browse our photo gallery to relive the celebration — and we can’t wait to gather again in 2026 to honor even more changemakers in our community. 💙
Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarship
Shaw Industries partners with the United Way of Northwest Georgia to offer the
Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarship to two high school seniors and/or juniors.
The scholarship is awarded annually during our Youth and Volunteer Awards
Celebration each April.
Don't forget to keep track of your 2025 volunteer hours!
2025 Volunteer Log
Adult Volunteer Awards
The minimum hour requirement for one of United Way’s competitive adult awards is 100 hours.
Nominated recipients will have the opportunity to receive the Elaine Butler or Connie Woodward Award for outstanding volunteerism.
Recipients are awarded annually during our Youth and Volunteer Awards Celebration each April, during National Volunteer Week.
Connie Woodward Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Whitfield County
Elaine Butler Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Murray County
Youth Volunteer of the Year
