Celebrating #AwesomeAlaskan Volunteers

Every once in a while we like to do a roundup of great things that are happening across Alaskan communities. And one of our favorite things to watch is the state of volunteerism. Volunteers from all over Alaska give their time to nonprofits, community groups, churches and other organizations benefitting a wide range of causes. They shape their communities for the better.

Let’s just say this, Alaskan volunteers—you’re awesome!

Take, for example, the newest group of AmeriCorps volunteers in Southeast Alaska. They were sworn in last Friday, as the AmeriCorps organization celebrated 20 years of service.  According to the linked article, almost 4,000 Alaskans have served with AmeriCorps since 1994. That’s fantastic!

Also last week, in Fairbanks 18-year-old Girl Scout Martha Hood pitched in and organized the 2014 Day of Caring for the United Way in Fairbanks. The Day of Caring matches staff members from volunteering for-profit businesses with nonprofits who need an extra hand.

What a great project for a Girl Scout badge, and what a great project for the community!

Earlier this summer, we were especially inspired by the story of the FEMA volunteers who came from across the continent to help rebuild the community of Galena, which had nearly 200 homes damaged or made unlivable by flooding.

The 200 volunteers who helped pick up recyclables at the Alaska State Fair also inspired us.

Do you know someone who makes a big difference in your community in Alaska? Why not nominate them for the First Lady Volunteer Awards? Nominations are due in March and award recipients are announced in April.

Is there anyone else you’d like to recognize? Give them a shout-out on social media with the hashtag #AwesomeAlaskans and we’ll retweet it!