Volunteer Spotlight: Sam Phillips

When it comes to serving others, Sam Phillips goes far beyond what is expected. His dedication to helping guests at the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky and his unwavering commitment to serving the community earned him recognition as one of the recipients of the 2026 Beyond the Call of Duty Award, which is presented to ESNKY volunteers who go over and beyond in serving our organization.

For more than three years, Sam has been a familiar and welcoming presence at the shelter. He organizes and distributes clothing in the donation room, ensuring guests can access items they need with dignity and ease. He also goes the extra mile by delivering donated items that cannot be used by the shelter to other organizations throughout the community, making sure every donation finds a purpose.

Finding a Place to Serve

Sam's journey with the Emergency Shelter began unexpectedly.

"My wife and I had several bags to donate on a Friday night more than three years ago, and the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky was the only one that would take them," he said.

That simple act of donating opened the door to a deeper connection. After he and his wife recommitted themselves to their faith, Sam knew where he wanted to serve.

"I've always had a passion for helping others," he said. "When we started following Christ again, I knew that's where I was going to serve."

Sharing Compassion and Faith

While Sam's organizational skills make him an invaluable volunteer, it is his heart for people that truly sets him apart.

"I'm very organized and neat," he said. "But my passion is also to talk to others about Jesus and let them know they are loved."

Whether he is sorting clothing donations, helping guests find needed items or simply offering a listening ear, Sam strives to make everyone feel valued and cared for.

One experience that particularly impacted him was attempting to start a Bible study at the shelter.

"I tried to have a Bible study, but only a few came," he recalled. "But they knew more than I did. I was amazed."

The experience served as a reminder that everyone has a story, wisdom to share and something to teach others.

Finding Hope Through Service

Through his volunteer work, Sam has gained a greater appreciation for the generosity that exists within the community.

"I know that there are a lot of people who care and want to help in some way," he said. "That's given me more hope in our brethren."

His time at the shelter has shown him the power of people coming together to support one another, whether through donations, volunteering or simply offering kindness.

The Reward of Helping Others

For Sam, the most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing the impact that even small acts of service can have.

"Just to see how appreciative the guests are for your help and how happy they are when we have something they really need," he said. "I love to help and will talk to anyone who needs it."

The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky is grateful for volunteers like Sam Phillips, whose compassion, dedication and servant's heart help make the shelter a place of hope and support for those who need it most.

If you’d like to become a volunteer, like Sam, contact Maya Mintu, ESNKY Volunteer Coordinator at maya.mintu@esnky.net or (859) 291 – 4555.