The Heart of a Volunteer

The Heart of a Volunteer

Charles Romans

The Ashland Beacon

A spirit of celebration and gratitude filled the sanctuary of Liberty Methodist Church as members of Habitat for Humanity gathered to honor a woman whose tireless commitment has touched countless lives: Connie Nickel of Greenup.

In a heartfelt tribute led by Habitat President Melissa Bowling and Executive Director/CEO David L. Michael, the organization recognized Nickel for her years of service, passion for helping others, and the deep compassion that fuels her volunteer work.

Michael emphasized the value of time as the most selfless gift anyone can offer.

“If you give up your time to volunteer, that is one of the most precious donations a person can ever make,” he said. “That’s time from a person’s life that can never be given back. Connie has given countless hours to benefit others and is always ready to give even more.” Michael didn’t hold back his admiration for Nickel.

“She inspires me to do the work that I do,” he said. “And she is a tremendous partner for our organization. When her term is up next year, I’m not going to let her go,” he laughed. “And I don’t think anyone else is going to either.”

He also praised the strong support system behind her, especially her husband and family, who are often by her side helping with Habitat efforts.

“It’s folks like Connie Nickel and her family that help Habitat for Humanity do what we do,” Michael added.

Nickel’s humility was clear when she spoke about her future with the organization.

“I told Michael that when my term is up, I would still do the golf scramble and the wall build,” she said. “But I don’t have to be on the board to help with Habitat.”

Her journey with the organization began in 2008 when her grandson Byron was just three years old. Her daughter, Rhonda, had asked her to write thank-you letters to donors. “She said, ‘Mom, I know you have no problem talking to people, and I want you to call people about Habitat,’” Nickel recalled.

What started as a small favor quickly became a lifelong mission. As her youngest daughter Kimberly finished school, she too was drawn into the fold. Soon, what had started as a simple task became a family passion. Nickel’s daughter Sheri is also involved, along with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandchildren—making it a true family affair. The driving force behind it all? Rhonda.

Rhonda, who passed away from cancer, left a legacy of compassion that lives on through her family. Nickel said her daughter was her greatest inspiration—especially her work during high school with people in need.

“People who never had a birthday cake or a present on their birthday,” Nickel said. “She said she knew people who didn’t have the things that most of us take for granted. And that is what inspired her to help.” That same inspiration now motivates an entire community.

To honor Rhonda’s memory, Michael announced that the organization’s annual golf fundraiser would now be named the FORE Humanity Rhonda Nunley Memorial Golf Tournament. This year’s event brought together 22 teams and raised $700 in prize money; all donated back to Habitat.

“I will always love helping Habitat,” Nickel said. “Rhonda got me started just writing thank-you notes, and I hope my children, grandchildren, and their children carry on with helping Habitat for Humanity.”

Connie Nickel's story reminds us that change begins with a single act of kindness—and that one family’s commitment can spark a movement. As Habitat for Humanity continues its mission to build hope, homes, and community, it does so standing on the shoulders of volunteers like Connie—and inspired by the enduring love of those like Rhonda.

So next time you see a fundraiser or a wall going up in your neighborhood, know this: you're witnessing the heart of a volunteer in action. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll feel moved to pick up a hammer or a pen and join in.