Jo-Ann Van Vechten, a REALTOR with the Long and Foster Westlake office, has donated $1,000 she received for being named the recipient of the Community Service Award from the Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS.

The award honors one of its 1,700 members for outstanding contribution to the community. Van Vechten received it for her contributions to Helping Hands of Franklin County.

It was presented at the Association's awards luncheon on Dec. 14.

"This donation is extremely timely. It will cover heating costs for at least two families during the winter months," said Sam Campbell, director of Helping Hands. "With the increased cost of heating oil, the need for assistance to families in Franklin County has increased significantly. Jo-Ann's generous donation will certainly help us respond."

For the past three years, Van Vechten has served on the board of directors for the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour. As public relations chairperson, she was responsible for the planning and implementation of the event's marketing and promotion campaign. During her tenure, attendance increased by 30 percent.

"This award is certainly an honor." Van Vechten said. "I hope it helps others realize the importance of volunteerism and the need for all of us to support the communities in which we live and work."