Transcript Features Editor

"Volunteer Treasures in the Sand" were honored recently at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Volunteer Awards Ceremony.

The awards were for Area II -- which consists of Cleveland County volunteers and staff. The offices are in Norman, Moore and Noble.

"Our services would not be possible without our volunteers," said Paige James, social services specialist. "They go out of their way with time, some with money and some with time and money."

Many of the volunteers are foster parents, some retiring after many years.

"Some of our employees go above and beyond," Paige said. "I would like to thank them for all they do."

Individuals and businesses honored were:

Barbara Lynn, Bruce Hoagland, Charles Dutton, Pack 181 Den 2, Amy Buthod, Debra Reed, Tracy Moore, BIB Maintenance, Section FFAB, Debra Fee, Francis White, Margaret Tumble, Unity Baptist Fellowship, Mary Brawner, Patrice Brown Harris, Gwen Allen, Sue Chaffin, Troy and Alice Shinn, Rick and Cathy Roberts, Roger and Kathy Franklin, Maury Roper, Kat Roberts, Steve Rogers, Crosspointe Men's Breakfast Prayer Group, Betty Sexton and First Christian Group, Village on the Park, John and Maria Baker with Top Drawer and Cindy's Resale, Janie Biles, Ellen Ward, Marlan Lawson, Brandy Menzie, Tyler La Reau, Deidra Peters, Sean Crandall, Hayden Burleson, Pumpkin Shell Child Care Facility, Tinker Credit Union, Rami Foor, Prime Timers, Steven Gillis and Beatrice Dollar.

DHS employees who received awards were Roger Franklin, Allen Edson, Rachel Miller, Jenny Smiley, Mitch Tindell, Sandy Bouquin, Diane Skermetta, Ginger Clayton, Jean Burleson and First Christian Church and Kathy Gilstrap and Norman West Side Mom's Club.