Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
A Barnwell County resident known locally for having a servant's heart has received a statewide honor.
If you don’t know Cheryl Long personally, you may have heard her signature phrase at one of the many meetings she routinely directs or attends; “I’m not going to hell and I’m not going to jail.”
While this phrase usually results in chuckles from the crowd, it is a testament to maintaining values like honesty, transparency, and working for the benefit of others.
Long was awarded the 2024 S.C. Volunteer Legacy Impact Award in May. She was nominated by the United Way of Allendale, Barnwell, and Bamberg Counties (UW-ABB), where she serves as chairperson on the board of directors.
“When I got the award I was overwhelmed, but I also knew if it helped us understand we have to work together, it was worth it,” said Long.
The Governor’s Volunteer Awards are issued annually to volunteers across the state working to better the lives of South Carolinains.
“Cheryl Long’s record of volunteer service in Barnwell County goes back more than 50 years. Cheryl works tirelessly to bring resources to Barnwell County that will improve the community,” states a press release from Together SC about the annual awards.
Long has volunteered with countless organizations in Barnwell County. She recently took a step back from serving on 14 boards across the county to 10, including being appointed as chair of the Generations Unlimited board last year.
She has served with The Lions Club, Barnwell County First Steps, Barnwell County YMCA, Barnwell County, United Way of Allendale, Barnwell, and Bamberg Counties, Axis I, Generations Unlimited, and many more.
Long was also the inaugural director of Axis I, where she served for over 40 years. Long was a driving force in establishing the county-wide resource, and she still remains active even six years after her retirement.
Her drive to be a part of continuous change in the county and state is motivated by God, who she believes has helped her help others.
Other categories in the Governor’s Volunteer Awards include AmeriCorps Volunteer Award, Community Leader Award, Direct Service Award, Family Volunteer Award, Robin Burns Volunteer Administrator of the Year Award, Workplace Volunteer Award, and Youth Volunteer Award.
Each of these awards were given to volunteers across the state for all they have done in their respective regions.
