Samaritan Ministries announces Lifetime Volunteer Servant Leadership Award recipient
Samaritan Ministries has announced the recipient of the Myrtie Davis Lifetime Volunteer Servant Leadership Award for 2024. This award was established in 2017 in memory of Winston-Salem resident Myrtie Davis in recognition of her countless hours of volunteerism with Samaritan Ministries and the impact that she has had on all who knew her.
This year, the award has been given to Arzaia Thomas. For over 40 years Thomas has been volunteering at the Samaritan Ministries Soup Kitchen. She has a deep compassion for Samaritan guests, embodies what it means to be a servant leader, and inspires others to serve. Every Tuesday Thomas runs the dish room, often staying after her shift to ensure everything is in order. She is a valuable team member and frequently recognizes others for their service above her own.
“Arzaia came to Samaritan on Thanksgiving Day in 1981 when she herself needed to find hope and encouragement. Through her service to the ministry, she provides a friendly smile, reassuring word and nourishing meal to those who need it most,” said Jan Kelly, executive director. “Arzaia and all of our volunteers represent our ministry of hospitality as we seek to provide food, shelter and hope through Christian love.”
For more information about Samaritan Ministries and to sign up to volunteer, please visit samaritanforsyth.org. Samaritan Ministries is located at 414 East Northwest Boulevard near downtown Winston-Salem.
