Horry County Council On Aging

06/15/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Annie Sayre

Meet Annie Sayre, the Surfside Senior Center Manager, who has been serving HCCOA for 4 years!

Annie's mission is to create a fun, welcoming environment where seniors can connect, socialize, and build lasting friendships. Through games, activities, and outings, she encourages seniors to stay active and engaged both inside and outside the center.

💙 What Annie loves most about her work is the relationships she has built with both the seniors and her coworkers.

🚌 Her favorite part of her role is taking seniors on field trips and creating opportunities for them to explore new places and experiences together.

🤝 Annie shares that one of the most meaningful aspects of serving seniors is being a trusted point of contact for those who may not have family nearby for support.

Known for pouring her heart and soul into the HCCOA South Strand Senior Center, Annie is always looking for new activities, events, and experiences to keep seniors engaged, connected, and having fun.

🌊 Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and visiting the river.

🐝 Fun fact: Annie is currently in the process of becoming a beekeeper!

✝️ Favorite verse: “With God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

Thank you, Annie, for the compassion, creativity, and dedication you bring to the seniors of our community every day! ❤️

06/10/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Debra Alston

Meet Debra Alston, the dedicated HCCOA Bucksport Senior Center Manager, who has been serving HCCOA for 16 years!

For more than a decade and a half, Debra has worked alongside seniors and the community to connect individuals with resources, opportunities, and experiences that enrich their lives.

💙 She says what she loves most about HCCOA is simple: the seniors.

🤝 Debra enjoys building relationships with seniors and learning about their individual needs so she can better serve them.

😊 Her favorite part of serving seniors is that they keep her young, active, and inspired every day.

Known for her leadership and enthusiasm, Debra creates countless events, activities, and celebrations that bring joy, connection, and fun to the seniors she serves. She is a source of inspiration to both her seniors and her coworkers.

📚 Outside of work, she enjoys reading, decorating, attending church, spending time with family, and hopping in the truck for a ride with her son.

🏍️ Fun fact: Debra once traveled from Bucksport, South Carolina, all the way to Washington, D.C. on a motorcycle!

💬 Favorite saying: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Thank you, Debra, for your 16 years of dedication, leadership, and service to the seniors of Horry County. Your impact is felt throughout the community every day! ❤️

06/08/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Annette Summers

Meet Annette Summers, the dedicated HCCOA Conway Senior Center Manager, who has been serving HCCOA for almost 4 years!

Annette wears many hats at the Conway Senior Center—from planning activities, events, and trips to preparing and serving meals. Her goal is simple: to make life better for the seniors she serves each day.

💙 She loves the seniors she serves and says their smiles are what make her job so rewarding.

😊 Annette enjoys starting each day with her seniors and supporting her fellow center managers whenever she can.

🎉 Her favorite part of serving seniors is encouraging them to try new activities and experiences they might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy.

Known for her creativity and imagination, Annette is always finding new ways to make events and activities fun, engaging, and memorable for her seniors.

🦀 Outside of work, she enjoys eating crabs, shopping, and spending quality time with her husband.

👶 Fun fact: She loves spending time with her grandson, Xavier!

💬 Favorite saying: “Live your life to the fullest.”

Thank you, Annette, for the creativity, compassion, and enthusiasm you bring to the Conway Senior Center every day! ❤️

06/05/2026

Horry County Council on Aging was proud to be represented at the National Council on Aging’s Conference!

Our team joined aging services professionals from across the country to learn, collaborate, and explore new ideas that support older adults and strengthen communities.

We’re excited to bring fresh insights and innovative approaches back to Horry County as we continue serving older adults and their families.

Thank you, NCOA, for an inspiring week of learning and connection.

Aging is Living. 💙

06/04/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Joe Santore

Meet Joe, a dedicated HCCOA Carolina Forest Driver who has been serving HCCOA for 3 years!

For Joe, driving seniors is about much more than transportation—he sees the people he serves as an extension of his own family and takes pride in helping them stay connected and engaged.

💙 He loves sitting down with seniors, listening to their stories, and learning from their life experiences.

🚐 Joe enjoys being on the move, whether he's transporting seniors or spending time at the center interacting with them throughout the day.

😊 His favorite part of serving seniors is their gratitude and sincerity, which make every day rewarding.

Known for his experience and kindness, Joe is a valued member of the HCCOA team and someone seniors know they can count on.

🎸 Outside of work, he enjoys cooking and playing his bass guitar.

🐂 Fun fact: Joe has run with the bulls—in the United States!

💬 Favorite saying: “Such is the life you've chosen.”

Thank you, Joe, for the care, compassion, and dedication you bring to our seniors every day! ❤️

06/02/2026

🌟 Welcome To HCCOA: Brandie Nichols

Meet Brandie Nichols, our Bookkeeper/Accounting Specialist, who recently joined the HCCOA team!

Brandie helps keep our organization running smoothly by tracking and recording revenue and expenses, ensuring the financial side of our mission stays on track.

💙 She loves the welcoming atmosphere at HCCOA, especially the laughter in the office and the willingness of coworkers to help one another.

📊 Brandie enjoys the variety and challenge that comes with her role, where no two days are exactly the same.

😊 Her favorite part of serving seniors is knowing that everyone at HCCOA plays a part in improving the lives of older adults in our community.

As one of our newest team members, Brandie has already jumped in with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, and we're excited to have her as part of the HCCOA family.

🚣‍♀️ Outside of work, she enjoys kayaking and hiking.

📚 Fun fact: Brandie is an audiobook fanatic!

💬 Favorite quote: “If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse.”

Welcome to HCCOA, Brandie! We’re glad you're here and look forward to all the great things ahead. ❤️

05/25/2026