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NEWBERRY — Steve and Joyce Barrow were honored as the Laypersons of the Year at Rotary’s annual prayer breakfast Tuesday morning.

The Barrows are the third couple to be recognized as Laypersons of the Year as they humbly received the recognition for their service to the community of Newberry.

The first couple to receive the award were Otis and Ann Taylor in 1998 and Henry and Maggie Mills in 2000.

Upon receiving the award, Joyce Barrow said, “All we really do is pull it all together.”

Her husband added, “I want to thank everyone for their support. You, the people of Newberry County, are who make it possible with your donations and gifts.”

The Barrows have been involved with Salkehatchie’s summer service camp fore more than 30 years. The camp is a ministry through the United Methodist Church in which teenagers at least 14 years old volunteer to work on the homes of those who need repair work.

Not only do teenagers work a week during the summer, but adults volunteer to oversee a home and provide assistance as needed.

The Barrows serve as directors of the camp now but started as site leaders when their then 14-year-old son went to a promotional dinner. They have been directors since 1994 and have seen it grow throughout the years.

Joyce Barrow has said before that this is a “labor of love” that they enjoy helping.

Newberry Rotarian Jimmie Coggins said that in addition to helping organize Salkehatchie for Newberry County, the couple are active in their church, Central U.M.C. and have dedicated many hours to helping with Newberry High’s band.

“They have impacted the lives of many with their service to helping bring the community together for a week,” said Coggins, who said that they have guidelines for the volunteers to fully participate because it’s not an 8-5 job.