The Honorable Douglas B. Sasser, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for North Carolina Judicial District 13A (Bladen and Columbus counties), will receive two awards for his volunteer efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

Judge Sasser was nominated for the Volunteer Service Award (VSA) by a local fire department chief. He will receive this award on April 27 in Whiteville, N.C. The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service describes the VSA as follows: "North Carolinians have always shown their concern and compassion for their neighbors by volunteering in local communities across the state. This proud tradition of volunteerism and community service was first recognized by the Office of the Governor in 1979. The Governor's Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, groups and businesses that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Any person, group, or business from the public, non-profit and private sector may be nominated for an award."

The Columbus County Coordinator for Volunteer Services nominated Judge Sasser for consideration as a Medallion Award recipient for his disaster relief efforts in Columbus County after Hurricane Matthew. He will be presented with this award on May 8 at 4:00 p.m. in the Old House Chamber and Rotunda in the State Capitol Building. The Governor's Medallion Award for Volunteer Service was established in 2006. This award recognizes the top 20 volunteers in North Carolina. Medallion recipients are nominated at the county level then evaluated by a panel of community service leaders from across the state. Medallion Award recipients are honored at an annual recognition ceremony, where they receive a medallion signifying their accomplishments and service to the community.

Columbus County suffered significant damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew, especially in the Fair Bluff, Pireway, and Old Dock communities. Judge Sasser took a lead role in organizing and distributing food, water, cleaning supplies, and other basic items to residents in the community whose homes were flooded and who were without food, water, and basic necessities.

Judge Sasser said these awards are an honor but, "my true reward was seeing how much a simple act of kindness could mean to someone who was hurting and in need. I would like to thank the many friends and family members, and even strangers, who gave their time, energy, and financial resources to help others."