The Volunteer of the Week was born and raised in Vicksburg. She has worked as a therapist at River Ridge Behavioral Health (formerly known as Warren Yazoo Behavioral Health) for more than 30 years. Hanks is a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and has one son, Lee Hanks.

How did your volunteering for Miss Mississippi begin?

There was a need for hostesses and my friend gave the hostess director my name. I’ve always loved the pageant, so I was honored and excited to help.

How long have you been volunteering with Miss Mississippi?

I’ve been volunteering as a hostess for 10 years.

What is your favorite memory while volunteering for Miss Mississippi?

There are so many great memories that it is difficult to name just one. I love spending time with my fellow hostesses. There is a strong bond between all of us. The hostesses are some of my best friends. However, with that being said, my fondest memories are the times that I have gotten to know some of the smartest, friendliest young ladies, my assigned contestants. As luck would have it, I always had rookie contestants; however, I still had two first runners-up and a couple in the top ten. I was always a proud “mom” no matter what place my contestants placed.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering?

Be prepared to be busy, but entertained. Hostesses are the contestants’ surrogate moms for the contestants during the entire week. If we’re not busy transporting the young ladies, we are together laughing and telling stories.

What are some of your tasks while volunteering with Miss Mississippi?

When I first began volunteering, I was assigned two to three contestants to work with during the week. Driving the girls to autograph parties and other community events. Now, I am the assistant to the Hostess Chairman Mary Beth Grogan-White. I assist her in organizing the hostesses and their contestants during the week. Since I am an assistant, I don’t have my own assigned contestants. However, I get to know the young ladies while staying at the hotel with them. Now, I get to mentor to all 30-plus contestants each year.

What have you learned from volunteering?

Be prepared for anything from a zipper that won’t zip up and wardrobe malfunctions to talking through competition jitters.

How can someone who might be interested in volunteering with Miss Mississippi get involved?

You can contact the Miss Mississippi Corporation to find out where volunteers are needed. If you want to be a hostess, just understand that it is a week-long commitment. The hostesses, like myself, who are not teachers and are off for the summer have to take vacation from our jobs to volunteer. It is a rewarding experience and well worth it.

If there is a volunteer who should be featured, please submit their name and contact information to volunteer@vicksburgpost.com.