Virginia State’s SFOP names Whitehead Volunteer of the Year

Oliver Whitehead, a native of Charles City, is the first recipient of the Small Farm Outreach Program’s (SFOP) Volunteer of the Year award from Virginia State University.

Whitehead, a retired serviceman from the United States Navy, received the award for his contributions and volunteerism. He began his gardening at a young age and now devotes an acre and a half of his 35-acre property to growing 43 varieties of vegetables that he donates.

Whitehead has volunteered at VSU’s Randolph Farm the past two years, working at dawn every Tuesday morning. He says he volunteers because he likes to get his hands dirty and enjoys helping student interns learn how to plant and grow produce.

“One thing we can certainly count on is that when the sun rises every Tuesday, like clockwork, we expect Mr. Whitehead to be on duty at Randolph Farm,” said Susan Cheek, SFOP volunteer coordinator.

Whitehead said in a press release that while he’s honored for being recognized by VSU, he insists helping others is his motivation.