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Humanitarianism

Mar 19, 2010

— The Laurel Junior Auxiliary presented their “Humanitarian of the Year” award Friday evening to a longtime Jones County schoolteacher and community volunteer.
Willodean McDonnieal Hastings, who taught school in the area for 31 years, was named “Humanitarian of the Year” for that service plus her time with a number of clubs and organizations throughout Jones County.
Jan Hughes, who presented Hastings the award, called her “a model example of what it truly means to give back to the community through volunteerism, giving tirelessly and unselfishly to our community.”
Among Hastings’ many accomplishments include past president of the Laurel Education Association, family service technician with the American Red Cross, past president of the Three Arts Literary Club, past president of Kappa Delta Gamma, past president of the County Club Garden Club, serving on the Laurel Tree Board, working with the Christian Food Mission and the Good Shepherd Clinic.
Hastings is also involved with her church — First Baptist of Laurel — serving as facilitator for a Women’s on Mission Group, past director of Woman Missionary Union and a Sunday School teacher. She has also been on numerous mission trips to Central America, Alaska, Morocco and the Czech Republic among other locales.
“As you can see our Humanitarian of the Year is truly a volunteer, a leader and an inspiration to our community,” Hughes said. “Having talked with some of her peers she is described as caring, faithful and an encourager. She is an incredible mentor who motivates others to be a better person and to live up to their full potential. Through her selfless giving, she has changed many lives by providing for others’ needs.”
Hughes said a quote from Bernard Shaw is fitting to describe Hastings, “I am of the opinion that life belongs to the community, and as long as I live... it is my privilege to do for it... whatever I can.”
Upon taking the podium, Hastings was gracious in accepting the award.
“I’m shocked and honored,” she said. “I’m absolutely speechless.”
Hastings said she often looked forward to who would be named “Humanitarian of the Year” and was happy to be in the same company as those past recipients.
“At home, in our community and abroad, I have a deep love and compassion for our fellow man,” she said. “I hope the love of God has been very obvious in my life. I’m grateful to have been able to do the things I’ve done, but I had a lot of people helping me.”

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