Esther Fogle, left, proudly displays her Volunteer of the Year award alongside YMCA development director Heather Cirincione.

pickens — pickens County YMCA volunteer Esther Fogle was honored last week at the Upstate’s National Philanthropy Day celebration, held at Thornblade Country Club in Greer.

Fogle, an Easley resident, received the prestigious nomination of Volunteer of the Year by the Pickens County YMCA.

“Esther shows superior dedication and service to the YMCA, commitment to improving the overall health of the Upstate and shows leadership in support of the mission of the YMCA,” community wellness director Suzanne Bixby said.

Fogle volunteers in multiple departments at the YMCA, shares the mission and purpose of the YMCA with all she comes in contact with and is a champion for the children in Upstate community.

As a retired teacher, Fogle knows the importance of investing in the community’s youth, and she lives out that cause through her passion for the community.

“At the YMCA, we believe the future health of our community lies in the health of the community’s youth, and we believe it is our responsibility to support and invest in our youth,” Bixby said.

Fogle has worked as a volunteer in the Y’s Buddy Basketball program, a sports program for children with disabilities. She volunteers as a swim lesson instructor with the Y’s free swim lessons for all second graders at McKissick Elementary. Fogle volunteers as a server for the Y’s yearly Father Daughter Dance. She is involved with the Y’s Annual Campaign, and she is one of the first to sign up as a mentor through Y Mentor Pickens County.

“Many of these programs would not be doable without volunteers like Esther,” Bixby said. “She is a tireless champion for the children of Pickens County.”

To learn more about how you can become a YMCA volunteer, contact Bixby at suzanne@pcymca.net or visit pcymca.net for more information.