KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Help Our Potential Evolve (HOPE) joined forces with various individuals and organizations to present the Van Dobbins Jr. Day event at the Kingsport Farmers Market on Sunday.

The day honored Van Dobbins Jr.’s accolades, volunteer work, donations, and decades of dedication to his community. Dobbins Jr. is 83 years old.

His contributions trace back to his teenage years when he worked with his father, Van Dobbins Sr., on cultivating a garden to support the community. This generous spirit followed Dobbins Jr. into adulthood, where he now dedicates his time to the Central Baptist Church Food Ministry.

To make his name a permanent part of Kingsport’s history, Kingsport Mayor Paul Montgomery officially declared July 6th, 2025, as Van Dobbins Jr. Day.

“I’ve asked many people, ‘You know Van Dobbins?’ Everyone does,” Montgomery stated. “They always have a tale about what he’s done for them and his immense contributions. He’s impacted countless lives, giving back more than anyone else I know in the city.”

The celebration included fellowship, a free dinner and plenty of entertainment. Dobbins Jr. was also honored with a special coin, given only to the most influential and helpful people in Kingsport.

The coin reads, “Put others above self, assure for the greater good, and for the greater good of others. For a Kingsport spirit, for the love and the peace we have here.”

Committee members Stella Robinette, Richard Jackson, Jimmy Carnes, Johnnie Mae Swaggerty, and Dorothy Dobbins, Van Dobbins Jr.’s wife, attended the event.

Robinette said Dobbins Jr. brings boxes of food to the children at Central Baptist Church every week.

Attendees told News Channel 11 they hope Dobbins Jr.’s actions and commitment to his community inspire kindness in others.