Somerset resident Judith Collins has been named the 159th Hometown Heroine by BankFive and WSAR for her years of volunteer work on the South Coast.

"Mrs. Collins has had a vast and significant impact on the SouthCoast, having helped literally hundreds of people and animals alike," said Thomas F. Lyons, BankFive president and CEO. "Her willingness to help others, coupled with her friendly nature, is the reason why many organizations and people have sought her assistance. Her life-long commitment to helping others has inspired and influenced many."

Collins has volunteered at many community organizations, including the Fall River Community Soup Kitchen. She has also coordinated the SouthCoast Healthcare Van to administer basic medical checkups free-of-charge to soup kitchen patrons.

For more than 20 years, she has been volunteering at Faxon Animal Rescue League, walking dogs and assisting in their routine medical care.

"What motivates me is doing what is necessary to make someone else’s life a little better," said Collins. "The best feeling is hearing someone state, ‘that was the best meal I have had in a long-time,’ or a child comment on how warm the gloves are that we gave them. I am grateful to be in a position to be able to help others, and will continue to do so as long as I can."

The hometown hero award was established in 1993 by Fall River’s BankFive in cooperation with Somerset radio station WSAR to recognize its "hometown heroes."