#CommunityService | AM 1180 Radio

November 5, 2026

GNTC Launches Toys For Tots Drive To Help Local Children This Christmas

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is collecting toys for children in Northwest Georgia as part of its annual Toys for Tots donation drive.

The holiday community service project is being organized by GNTC’s Student Government Association and FBLA Collegiate student organizations, with donations being accepted through December 9.

The college is asking community members, students, faculty and staff to donate new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to children ages 12 and younger in the communities GNTC serves.

Donations can be dropped off at the Help Center on any GNTC campus, including the college’s campuses in Floyd, Walker and other Northwest Georgia counties.

The donation drive began November 2 and will continue through Wednesday, December 9, giving residents several weeks to contribute before Christmas.

GNTC says the effort is designed to help make the holidays brighter for children who might otherwise go without Christmas gifts.

Anyone with questions about the Toys for Tots drive can contact Larry Blanchard at LBlanchard@gntc.edu.

The college encourages community members to participate by donating a new, unwrapped toy at their nearest GNTC campus Help Center.

November 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Fire Department Seeking Volunteer Firefighters

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The Summerville Fire Department is encouraging residents interested in serving their community to consider becoming volunteer firefighters.

The department recently announced that it continually accepts applications from individuals interested in joining its volunteer firefighting team.

Applicants must be United States citizens, at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid driver’s license. The department also requires applicants to demonstrate strong moral character and a commitment to community service.

Volunteer firefighters with the Summerville Fire Department receive an annual pay-per-call check and are eligible for firefighter retirement benefits after 15 years of service.

The department says volunteering also provides valuable training and experience for individuals who may eventually want to pursue careers as full-time paid firefighters.

Volunteer firefighters play an important role in helping local fire departments respond to emergencies and protect lives and property.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter can contact the Summerville Fire Department for more information about the application process and training requirements.

November 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Honors Retired Educators Today, November 1

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Today, Sunday, November 1, is Georgia Retired Educators Day, an annual observance recognizing the contributions of retired teachers, administrators and other education professionals throughout the state.

October 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Sheriff Visits Cub Scout Pack 38 To Discuss Leadership And Public Service

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Members of Cub Scout Pack 38 recently received a special visit from Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, who attended one of the group’s weekly meetings to talk with scouts about law enforcement, leadership and community service.

October 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

North Georgia EMC Operation Round Up Awards Nearly $5,000 To Organizations Serving Chattooga County

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Nine nonprofit organizations serving Chattooga County are receiving nearly $5,000 through North Georgia EMC’s Operation Round Up program.

October 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Scout Troop 7 Thanks Community For Successful BBQ Fundraiser

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Summerville’s Scout Troop 7 is thanking local residents, businesses, churches and volunteers for helping make its recent BBQ Plate Fundraiser a success.

September 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County EMA To Host Blood Drive In October

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The Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency is teaming up with Blood Assurance for a community blood drive next month in Summerville.

The blood drive will be held Friday, October 9, from 12:30 until 3:30 PM at the Chattooga County EMA office, 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

Blood Assurance encourages residents who are able to donate to participate, emphasizing its message of “Give Local, Save Local.” Blood collected through the organization helps provide a local supply for hospitals and patients throughout the region.

Those planning to donate are encouraged to eat a good meal beforehand, drink extra water, avoid energy drinks and bring identification.

As an added incentive, donors who give blood during the month of October will receive a “Blood Donors Are Game Changers” T-shirt, while supplies last.

Appointments can be made using the QR code included on the blood drive flyer.

The Chattooga County EMA blood drive is scheduled for Friday, October 9, from 12:30-3:30 PM at 170 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

September 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Scouting America Troop 7 To Host BBQ Plate Fundraiser September 21

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Scouting America Troop 7 is inviting the community to enjoy a barbecue dinner while helping support local Scouts during a fundraiser next week.

The Troop 7 BBQ Plate Fundraiser will be held Monday, September 21, from 6 until 8 PM at Summerville First United Methodist Church.

Plates are $12 each and include barbecue, a bun, green beans, potato salad and dessert. Both dine-in and carry-out will be available, with drinks provided for those eating at the church.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help support Troop 7 Scouting activities, including outdoor adventures, leadership development programs and community service projects.

Troop leaders say community support plays an important role in helping Scouts develop leadership skills, character and a commitment to service.

Tickets are available from Troop 7 members and will also be sold at the event while supplies last.

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Red Cross Blood Drive Coming To Berry College Thursday

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The American Red Cross is asking Northwest Georgia residents to help maintain the nation’s blood supply by donating blood this week at Berry College.

A Red Cross blood drive will be held Thursday, September 17, from 2 until 7 PM at the Krannert Center, located at 2277 Martha Berry Boulevard in Mount Berry.

The Red Cross says the nation’s blood supply remains vulnerable following critically low levels during a summer blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure hospitals have blood products available for patients.

Berry College has a long history of supporting blood donations. The college’s Blood Donor Program was started by students in 1974, and Berry says Red Cross and Blood Assurance visits typically collect more than 450 units of blood annually. The Berry College Red Cross Club assists with blood drives on campus.

There’s also an incentive for Thursday’s donors. Those who give blood through September 20 can receive an exclusive Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last.

Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or through the Red Cross website.

September 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Greg “Hawk” Hawkins Appointed Deputy Coroner In Chattooga County

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Greg “Hawk” Hawkins has been appointed Deputy Coroner of Chattooga County, continuing a long career of service in local emergency services.

Hawkins was sworn in Monday by Judge Gary Woods, with Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy McElhaney and Senior Deputy Coroner Earle Rainwater in attendance.

A longtime resident of Menlo, Hawkins has served Chattooga County for many years in emergency medical services. He worked as a paramedic and supervisor with Redmond EMS, building decades of experience responding to emergencies throughout the county.

Hawkins is also a 2018 graduate of the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Chattooga class.

Earlier this year, Hawkins received regional recognition for his service in emergency medicine. In March, he was honored as the EMS Pioneer of the Year by the Northwest Georgia Regional Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.

His appointment as Deputy Coroner adds another chapter to a career centered on public service and emergency response in Chattooga County.