09/12/2026
United Way sponsored a Hometown Hero award as another way to show respect to those who show exemplary character and willing to serve our community in honor of the September 11th attacks. We asked citizens to send their nominee and we had a terrific response. People who were nominated included, Michele Royster, Peyton Eby, Scott Claypool, and Mike and Bert Yates. However, the winner with the most nominations is Randy Yates. Randy serves on several boards, volunteer Firefighter ,works the Farmers market and all around great guy. Here are just few of the words we received about Randy.
Randy is a citizen who genuinely cares about our community, serves others without asking for anything in return. He goes above and beyond in helping and makes Vinton County a better place. He is humble, asks for no money or thanks, just enjoys helping others. He organized and delivered goods for the victims of Hurricane Heline to North Carolina and then later that same month to Tennessee. Randy is a great neighbor. He plows driveways, mows yards and will help anyone who needs a hand without asking for anything or any recognization. I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Randy, he is the most community minded person I know. Randy goes above and beyond to help anyone in need.
On behalf of United Way and the citizens of Vinton County, United Way is proud to present a donation of $250 to the Vinton County charity of Randy’s choice as United Way’s Hometown Hero and a shelf made of VC wood, by Ray Showman President of the United Way Board, was presented to him as well.
Randy, thank you for all you do, your kindness, and hard work does not go unnoticed
