Tom has volunteered for many years and was the first to be placed on our Volunteer Hall of Fame. Working with our "Bread Gang" delivering products from our community vendors to the center, the next thing we all noted was the increase and variety of the donations coming into the center due to his due diligence. Tom gives new meaning to the term "multi-tasking." He can follow up on several issues, all the while displaying admirable patience, care, and concern.

Martha R. Fortson Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex

Tom Umstead, who does more volunteer work each week than most people work in a week, is always giving to and helping others, and he does this with a grateful heart. Over $10,000 worth of arts and crafts materials have been brought to us by Mr. Tom along with him finding instructions for these classes.

Lee Smith, Executive Director PALS, Perimeter Adult Learning & Services Inc.

Volunteers like Mr. Tom Umstead, founder of Mr. Tom's Heart, help make our houses a "home away from home." Thanks to the generous donations he helps us receive from Costco, Trader Joe's, and Publix, our families are provided with much needed household items, snacks, pastries, and toiletry items.

Caroline Mealor, Volunteer Services Manager Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc.

He works harder than anyone out there, and I trust him with my own childrens' lives. All my children light up when he comes near to say hello. He has the warmest, most unselfish and most gentle personality of anyone I have ever met. He seems to know almost everyone by first name, and everyone, both young and old, call him Mr. Tom and respect him immensely. I have never met a man or a woman with a joyful heart as big as that of Mr. Tom who seems to volunteer more hours every month than I spend at my full time law job.

Samuel M. Chambliss III Maner, Crumly, Chambliss, LLC

Tom has served in many volunteer roles at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. While in The Zone, he plays games with our patients and helps with special events. He is also part of our "Reader To Patient" program. Tom has given over 3,500 hours of service in his eight years of volunteering at Children's.

Melanie Turner, Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite

For 10 years he has volunteered his time to read and play with the hospital patients. In addition, he brightens our center with flowers and snacks every week! His kindness makes a huge difference in our lives.

Tanisha Grimes, Phd, MPH, Practice Manager Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children

He is well known for his positive attitude and diligence. He is well respected throughout Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for his persistent efforts to support and uplift the patients and staff. It takes great vision and character to do what Tom does on a consistent basis.

Nichole Neilly, Business Operations Supervisor Judson Hawk Clinic, Center for Craniofacial Disorders

Tom cheerfully delivers fresh flowers and a variety of baked goods to our clinic each week. His generosity in donating these items to our Clinic is always met with a thankful and warm response from our employees. You have no idea how such a thoughtful gesture is so greatly appreciated by everyone.

Sharon Whitehead, Business Operations Coordinator Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic

Over the past 8 years, Tom has continually blessed me with a hug and quick check-in every time I see him in the halls of at Children's, often before 7 a.m. when others of his maturity are enjoying a quiet morning at home.

Holly Watson Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite

I didn't know Tom long before he "retired." It was then that I believe he really got to work. Thousands of children have gone home from VBS with a hug from Tom around their neck in the form of a sweet handmade necklace. Tom was the first to meet each of my children when they were born at the Northside Hospital. How he even knew we were there, I do not know.

Sue Kraus

Tom personally made sure that at-risk children from local outreach ministries, Atlanta Youth Academy, and the S.A.Y. Yes! Center, were able to attend VBS for many years. His energy and big heart of love is truly amazing.

Margaret Ann Briggs

Mr. Tom only involves himself in charities that he himself is truly passionate about. He thoroughly educates himself on the mission and objectives of whatever service project he is involved in. And, his genuine compassion and contagious enthusiasm naturally draws people to him.

Karen B. Holsten

The children of this church have literally grown up with "Mr. Tom" (who never ages) as he has gone the second mile, the third, and beyond that. He is the essence of the word "giver," and not only because he gives of things, but he gives of himself.

Connie Musselman, Director of Children's Ministry The Church of the Apostles, Atlanta Georgia

Tom is the volunteer chief that gets the job done. Tom has contributed over 15,000 volunteer hours to the Benson Senior Center providing procurement of various materials for the programs so enjoyed by our seniors. Aside from the community activities, Tom is the original "Energizer Bunny" at our church. The Church of the Apostles. In reality if you need something at Apostles, the comment is usually, "ask Mr. Tom."

Don and Bev Chapman