THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 18, 1995 TAG: 9511181600
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KATRICE FRANKLIN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
A few of them give educationally, while the others help socially.
But whether it's teaching algebra, donating a book, handing out T-shirts or just talking about life, these men think nothing of giving a few hours each week to community service.
That's why STOP, a nonprofit community organization that helps individuals living in poverty, honored the five ``prized'' volunteers Friday night.
Wayne Hoffler, John Terry, Mike Hickman, Nick Moore and Larry Rose received awards at STOP's 30th anniversary celebration. The organization, formally known as the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project Inc., helped 8,358 people this year with programs that include health services and job training.
``The five of them are exceptional people,'' said Regina Lawrence, public relations director for STOP. ``We have more than 1,700 volunteers, but these individuals gave time and materials and support.
``They just do because they see a need and want to,'' she continued. ``They are the cream of the crop.''
Lawrence said the men have all donated more than $50,000 in time and materials.
Hoffler and Terry were recognized for spending their Saturdays looking for Norfolk teenagers willing to participate in clinics on personal hygiene, relationships, education and other topics.
Hoffler, the director of PRO-AM, a summer basketball league of college and professional basketball players, uses basketball to teach children lessons about life.
``When the professional basketball and sometimes football players come in, we get them to take time out with the kids and talk to them about the skills they need to grow,'' said Hoffler. ``We want these children to see positive things in the community so that they can grow and become good citizens.''
Mike Hickman and Nick Moore received awards for spending their Wednesday nights reviewing math and English. The two men, who work at Commerce Bank, are helping a class of seven mothers study for their GED exam. The two men said they just want to give less-privileged citizens an opportunity for education.
``These people have been exposed to a lot of negativity and failure,'' Hickman said. ``We just want to give them a chance at having better jobs.
``They want to learn,'' he said. ``They don't need a handout, they just need a hand.''
Larry Rose was recognized for soliciting support and community involvement in STOP-sponsored programs in Franklin. A community organizer with a mission, Rose makes sure that all the youths in his city are aware of the workshops, and he encourages businesses to give financial support. by CNB