History & Award Recipients

Since 1955, hundreds of volunteers have united each year to help meet our community’s greatest needs. Their dedication is the heart of every successful campaign. To honor those who go above and beyond, United Way Hamblen County recognizes an outstanding volunteer each year whose service exceeds expectations and makes a lasting impact.

First presented in 1976, the Joe Q. Dougherty Volunteer of the Year Award honors the legacy of longtime volunteer Joe Q. Dougherty, whose leadership helped shape our organization in its early years. Presented each year at our Annual Meeting, this award is our way of saying thank you to an exceptional volunteer whose dedication makes our work possible. We & our Partner Agencies could not do all that we do without YOU, our volunteers!