Many nonprofit organizations recognize their volunteers in some form on a regular basis.

Certainly, the Special Olympics is one of those organizations. Thousands of dedicated volunteers work with the organization on a regular basis, and thousands more help it pull off special events.

But when a volunteer with such a well-known organization gets recognized by a different organization altogether, that speaks well of all three parties.

That’s exactly what happened recently when the Virginia Farm Bureau presented Special Olympics volunteer Kenneth “K.E.” Morgan with the Farm Bureau Advantage Award. The recognition tapped him as Volunteer of the Year for the local area chapter of Special Olympics Virginia.

Morgan and his wife, Kathleen, not only serve on the council for the Area 29 chapter, but also they both serve as swim coaches for the swim team.

As part of the council, they are instrumental in planning events and conducting fundraising efforts that keep the worthwhile program running.

Special Olympics is an international program that provides sporting opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The ability to take part in sports gives participants opportunities to develop physical fitness, improve social skills and share joy and purpose with others, among a range of other benefits.

But as a nonprofit program, the organization depends on two things to keep itself running — donations and volunteers.

That’s where folks like Morgan and his wife come in. Without dedicated volunteers like them who fill multiple roles in the organization, many opportunities would be lost for aspiring athletes in Suffolk and the surrounding area.

We thank Morgan for his dedication, the Special Olympics for its mission and the Virginia Farm Bureau for committing to recognizing volunteers in the community.