Carper named Volunteer of the Year
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ELKINS – Karen Carper received the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Elkins Depot Welcome Center at the annual volunteer dinner on July 27.
Each year the staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors of the Elkins Depot Welcome Center and Elkins-Randolph County Tourism CVB gather to recognize their volunteers' service and accomplishments.
The Ed Griesel Community Service Award is presented annually to a volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional service to visitors and benefitted the citizens and businesses of Randolph County.
"It takes a certain kind of person to be a volunteer. It takes passion. And this year's winner is someone with that passion," Ed Griesel explained.
"It's chronic," added Carper, who has served more than 955 hours since 2019.
Now celebrating its 20th year in operation, the Elkins Depot Welcome Center has served more than 605,000 visitors.
"When Ed started, the Welcome Center was an entirely volunteer-run organization," explained Anne Beardslee, current Executive Director of the CVB and Welcome Center. "Now we have grown to a staff of three and one AmeriCorps member, but we wouldn't have seen this growth without the dedication and support of our volunteers" she added.
The Elkins Depot Welcome Center welcomes new volunteers to assist with their regular visitor services and annual events. No experience is necessary. Volunteers receive on-site training, can set their own schedule, and may receive free admission to select events and attractions.
Call 304-635-7803 or email elkinsdepotmanager@gmail.com for more information.