AARP Georgia Recognizes Tom Umstead as 2016 Andrus Awardee

Alex Jones

Tom Umstead of Sandy Springs has been selected by AARP to receive the  2016 AARP Georgia Andrus Award for Community Service -- the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

AARP Georgia selected Tom Umstead for his remarkable service which has greatly benefited his community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. For many years now, he has found a way local businesses could partner with non-profits to truly impact the lives of the people they serve including seniors, children, and families. He accepted the challenge of getting in-kind donations, usually personal products or food items, that the local businesses would discard, and use them to help feed, clothe, and do so much for some of the community’s most vulnerable individuals. He encouraged others to volunteer and they followed his example.

“This award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” says Debra Tyler-Horton, AARP Georgia State Director. “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.”

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.

(Pictured left to right: AARP President-Elect Alicia Georges, AARP Georgia State Director Debra Tyler-Horton, 2016 AARP Georgia Andrus Awardee Tom Umstead, AARP Georgia State President Lee Baker, and 2012 AARP Georgia Andrus Awardee Gary Cecil.)