Ed Jenkins, a retired Rockdale Hospital pharmacist, is the 2009 recipient of the Pat Patrick Big Heart award presented by the board of the Newton Fund.

The award - in its second year - is presented in honor of Pat Patrick, the founding chair of the Newton Fund.

Jenkins was honored for his work in establishing the free Willing Helpers Medical Clinic. The clinic, which is located at the Solid Rock Baptist Church on Brown Bridge Road, is open every Thursday to help poor and uninsured residents who can't afford traditional medical care.

Local doctors give of their time to see that the clinic works.

Jenkins was given $2,000 from the Newton Fund to continue his worthwhile mission.

We salute Ed Jenkins; he has quietly created a non-profit that helps thousands each year. As far as we are concerned, he represents the thousands of Newton Countians who help their neighbors everyday. Some are noticed, some are not. These individuals don't care if they are honored or not; they do what they do because they care.

This board is proud that The Covington News tells the stories of this county's unsung heroes.