Three awards were presented to individuals and organizations that have made contributions to Wicomico County.

At the 13th annual Freedom Fund Banquet at First Baptist Church of Salisbury, award plaques were given to Joseph Morse, publisher of the Delmarva African-American Pride Magazine; brothers Gary and Shawn Tucker, who have set up basketball clinics for youth; and Coastal Hospice.

“At the banquets, we recognize people who have made contributions in the county,” said Kelsie Mattox of the local branch of the NAACP.

Guest speaker at the Oct. 6 event was Wicomico County native and activist Taylor Dumpson.

Coastal Hospice issued a news release quoting Vice President Dave Hanlin.

“We work with our patients, their families, and their doctors to bring comfort and peace of mind at the end of life. Coastal Hospice’s mission is to promote dignity and quality of life for families and patients with life-limiting conditions,” Hanlin said.

Mattox presented the award to Coastal Hospice saying, “We are born, we live, and we die. Prior to the hospice movement that started in this country in New Haven, Conn., not a lot of time was devoted to helping people who were dying.

“The first hospice was established in 1975, and Coastal Hospice was started only five years later in Salisbury.

“Initially, there was resistance to the hospice movement by physicians, nurses and patients' families. Now it is widely accepted. Many people in the audience have been affected in some way by hospice,” she said.