KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – The Woman’s Club of Keystone Heights just recently launched its new project called Volunteer of the Year. Originally planned to start next year, the club launched it early after learning that the theme for Our Country Day Parade was “Volunteers, the Heart of Our Community.”

After some discussion, the committee chose Maria Walker to be the first recipient. “The committee talked a lot about different people that have done great things in the community,” said Tina Bullock, co-president of the Woman’s Club. “There were just a lot of great people, and Maria’s name kept popping to the top.”

When Walker learned that she was selected as the Volunteer of the Year, she was speechless.

“It was an honor for me, and I just cried when Miss Barbra Franklin called me,” Walker said. “I never expected anything like that because I rather give than to receive.”

As the recipient, she received a Volunteer of the Year yard sign, gift cards to local businesses, a certificate and rode in the Fourth of July parade.

Previously, she served at the Senior Citizen Center for several years and helped deliver food to several senior citizens during the pandemic. Currently, she is actively involved with Holiday Helpers and is the local Clay County Sherriff Net chair. She makes corsages for people and just organized a surprise birthday party for one of their members.

“I will keep on doing this, helping people until I can no longer go.”

Walker said she wanted to thank everyone who nominated her.

The Woman’s Club was founded in 1924 as one of the first community organizations. Throughout the years, they have contributed to Lake Area Ministries and Community Partnership School. They also have provided scholarships for students at Keystone Heights Jr./Sr. High and the Florida Youth Challenge Academy.

They also provide activities such as card games and welcome new members into the club.

“We’re always looking for new members and would love people to join,” Bullock said.

The group is making plans for its 100th anniversary next year and plans for the City’s 100th anniversary in 2025.

To learn more about the Woman’s Club, visit www.facebook.com/KHWCA.