Allison Gras

Allison Gras is an eighth grader at Cadda Middle Magnet School in Shreveport Louisiana. Caddo Middle Magnet is, and has been for a number of years, the number one middle school in Louisiana. While maintaining her place on the honor roll, Allison has been volunteering at the Irving Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (now known as Nursecare Long Term Care and Rehabilitaion Center) since early 2004.

“My mother was an employee there and always talked about how much she loved interacting with the elderly.” said Allison, “I wanted to experience it for myself.” So, at eleven years old, she went to work with her mother. “I’ve loved it ever since,” she said. Allison gets up at 5:00am on school holidays and during her summer vacations to volunteer at the center. She serves food to the residents, feeds those who cannot feed themselves, and transports patients to and from their rooms. She also reads to them, writes letters for them, takes them on walks, and coordinates activities such as bingo, board games, crossword puzzles, and craft projects. Even though her mother has changed employment, Allison continues to volunteer at the center. “Most of all, I play the role of one other person to love them,” said Allison.

When Katrina so brutally struck Louisiana many residents were evacuated north to Shreveport’s many shelters. Allison spent many hours helping the evacuees. She went to a local restaurant that volunteered it’s kitchen to a local Mardi Gras krewe, the Krewe of Centaur. There she helped prepare meals for over 2000 people. She also spent time with the young children displaced to the shelter.

Most recently she worked with a local church taking young children on haunted hayrides during Halloween.

Allison is eager to help in any way she can. She is a member of the Louisiana Club, Too Club, and G.A.L.S.(Give A Little Service) Club at Caddo Middle Magnet. Each of these clubs is a community service oriented club. Allison is also a student office worker, and a member of TAPs (Talented Arts Program) in drama.

In February 2006 Allison was selected as the middle school winner for the state of Louisiana of The Prudential Spirit of Community Award. One middle schooler and one high schooler from each state is selected. The awards program, now in its 11th year, is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). As a State Honoree she received $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where she joined the top two honorees from each of the other states and the District of Columbia for several days of national recognition events. They also spent time distributing books and reading to inner city elementary school children in Washington, as well as an audience with her state representatives.

Savannah Walters

Savannah Walters, an eighth-grader at Independent Day School in Tampa, created “Pump ‘Em Up” an awareness campaign designed to reduce the need for new oil drilling by urging drivers to keep their tires pumped up and thereby save gas.

“People don’t know that Americans waste four million gallons of gas a day by not properly inflating their tires,” said Savannah. She didn’t know either, until she spoke with photographer Lenny Kohm, who has spent years trying to preserve the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Kohm encouraged Savannah to get the word out about tire inflation, so she and her Brownie Troop distributed flyers to commuters, along with free tire gauges donated by Sears and Goodyear.

Since then, Savannah has held many more awareness events in her area, distributing thousands of informational flyers, balloons, and tire gauges. In addition, she has recruited friends and other volunteers to put on similar events in more than a dozen states, and created a Web site (www.pumpemup.org) for people anywhere who want to join her campaign.

Savannah also has taken her message to Washington, D.C., where she has lobbied Congressmen and spoken at rallies. “I’ve learned this is about a lot more than saving the Arctic Refuge. Wasting gas pollutes our air and adds to global warming,” she said. “This affects all of us and so it is very important to get the word out that there is a simple little thing that would make a HUGE difference—pump ’em up!”Savannah Walters, an eighth-grader at Independent Day School in Tampa, created “Pump ‘Em Up” an awareness campaign designed to reduce the need for new oil drilling by urging drivers to keep their tires pumped up and thereby save gas.

Kohm encouraged Savannah to get the word out about tire inflation, so she and her Brownie Troop distributed flyers to commuters, along with free tire gauges donated by Sears and Goodyear.

Rosemary Mason

Iowa City Hospice is a community-based nonprofit organization that offers care to patients, their families and friends throughout the dying and grief processes. We provide the same quality care to every patient, regardless of their disease, age, background or ability to pay. Iowa City Hospice adds life to each day by helping individuals and families make the most of their final time together.

The volunteers – nearly 600 strong – play a critical role in achieving their mission. Approximately 60% of Iowa City Hospice patients use volunteers, and there is an average of 90 volunteer assignments per week. In 2005, 78% of Iowa City Hospice’s funding came from Medicare reimbursement or commercial insurance, and 22% through community support. The fundraising efforts are very successful in large part because of their reputation for outstanding staff, volunteers, and services.

Rosemary Mason, a faithful dedicated volunteer since 1988, has made it her personal mission to ensure that Iowa City Hospice patients and families feel supported and cared for during their end-of-life experiences, and to “spread the word” about the value and importance of hospice care. Mason, their 2005 Volunteer of the Year, has recorded more than 1,300 hours of volunteer time – though they believe she has donated many more hours – in a variety of capacities.

Mason is first and foremost a Direct Patient Care volunteer, providing comfort and companionship to patients and respite to families. She was among the first to complete the specialized training required for a corps of volunteers who work with Alzheimer’s patients. She also was a charter member of a group of volunteers who work specifically at one nursing home, at times caring for as many as seven patients a week.

Mason’s dedication to her patients is unrivaled. When a particularly nervous patient had to go to the hospital for tests, Mason felt so strongly that the woman needed the comfort and calming influence of a familiar face that she stayed with her for 10 hours until all her tests were completed.

Hospice is available to terminally-ill patients who have six months or fewer to live. When a patient is actively dying, the needs of the patient and family can increase dramatically, and time is of the essence. As a Final Days and 11th Hour volunteer, Mason does not think twice about climbing out of bed at 3a.m. on a cold winter morning and driving in the snow and ice to hold the hand of a dying patient.

Mason has found additional ways to add to the quality of Iowa City Hospice patients’ lives. She formed a group of 20 volunteers who knit and crochet shawls and lap blankets for the patients. Often without realizing it, Mason assists with community awareness efforts and serves as a great volunteer recruiter, inspiring others to follow her lead. Rosemary Mason is a perfect example of the effect that selfless volunteering can have on individuals, families and the community.

Meredith Mitchell

Meredith Mitchell is a senior at Little Rock Central High School and has served in leadership positions on the Little Rock Mayor’s Youth Council for the past four years, helping to organize and manage a wide variety of environmental, arts-related, and other service projects for young people.

Meredith, who learned about the importance of giving back to one’s community from her grandfather, knew she wanted to be a part of the council as soon as she heard about it. “The members of the council seemed to be innovators and life-changing individuals,” she said. “It was amazing to me how big a difference students could make in the community.”

As the current chairman of the 100-member council, Meredith is responsible for identifying volunteer opportunities, recruiting members to participate in them, and monitoring their effectiveness. The council’s service projects include providing Christmas gifts to disadvantaged families, beautifying city streets and parks, supporting fund-raising events, working with the Arkansas Cares program for sick children, and raising money for the Arkansas Art Center.

Meredith also encourages council members to pursue service projects outside of council activities. “Community service can become addicting,” she said. “Every student should take advantage of an opportunity to volunteer because they will never regret it.”

Kimberly Phares

Kimberly Phares is a junior at Vestavia Hills High School and has dedicated the time to organize a Habitat for Humanity chapter at her high school that has attracted participation from more than 10 percent of the student body. Kimberly first began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity through her church, eventually devoting the majority of her free time to building new homes for needy families.

“I felt satisfaction knowing that we were empowering families who reached out, not for a handout, but for a hammer to build their dreams, one nail at a time,” Kimberly said.

When she discovered that the organization had school chapters, she decided immediately to launch one at Vestavia Hills High. She recruited a faculty advisor, drafted a constitution and membership handbook, met with her city’s mayor, and launched a membership drive last summer. She also coordinated a fund-raising dinner, which yielded $6,000.

The group now sends up to 15 members out on new-home construction projects every Saturday, and hopes to become the first school chapter to totally fund and build a home in its first year. Kimberly also is reaching out to middle and elementary schools, and has spoken at other Alabama high schools, several of which are planning to start Habitat chapters of their own.

Caitlin Adkins

Caitlin Adkins is a sixth-grader and attends L.F. Addington Middle School in Wise, VA. Caitlin is also a volunteer spokesperson for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

At only 8 years old, Caitlin was diagnosed with bone cancer and sent to St. Jude’s with an inoperable tumor. For one year, she was subjected to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and many surgeries. “I am a walking miracle, and I owe it to St. Jude,” she said.

When the hospital asked her to share her story to help raise funds and awareness, Caitlin was quick to do so, “I know that every dollar I raise will go toward saving lives.”

Caitlin has been featured in St. Jude literature, posters, and videos, and has appeared on behalf of the hospital in national magazines and on network television. She represents St. Jude at national fund-raising events, and helps organize local events such as silent auctions to collect donations. Caitlin also knits scarves, a skill she learned during her time in the hospital, and auctions them to give the proceeds to St. Jude.

“They gave me back my life, and I will never do enough to repay what they did for me,” said Caitlin, “I want all children who are diagnosed with cancer to be as lucky as I have been.”

Hope Taft

Hope Taft exemplifies the type of volunteer, which she encourages others to be. Some individuals make others better people b being around them; Mrs. Taft is one of those individuals. Mrs. Taft has dedicated her time and skills to may projects for the state of Ohio, one of which is Make A Difference Day Ohio.

In 1999, Mrs. Taft approached the Ohio Community Service Council (OCSC) for help in promoting service and volunteerism in the state. Her vision, to engage Ohioans in meaningful service that meets community needs, led to the adoption and branding of Make A Difference Day Ohio. The OCSC has coordinated Ohio’s efforts with the support of a 40-member statewide steering committee representing corporations, nonprofits, civic and service clubs from across the state.

In 2001, Mrs. Taft recruited Jim Tressell, Head Football Coach of The Ohio State University, to join her as Honorary Co-Chair. They have served together for 6 years and as a result, last year, Ohio recorded a record number of 961 projects in 79 of their 88 counties!

Friends, coworkers, classmates and family members are encouraged to develop a one-day project that meets a real need in their community. Service projects range from people helping people, to home construction and renovation to animal rescue efforts and environmental improvement. The broad scope of this project reinforces the fact that any age individual can get involved in meeting community needs, and made a difference. The long-term goal is to develop individuals with an ongoing ethic of service. Mrs. Taft believes, “Volunteerism and community service are among the most important traditions we can pass on o the next generation.”

The results of her efforts have been astounding. National MDD Sponsors, USA Weekend Magazine and the Points of Light Foundation, recognized Ohio’s efforts with a National Award in the spring of 2002 and again in 2005 for, “going over and above previous accomplishments” with a National Encore Award. The true impact of her commitment was seen in the reflections of volunteers across the state speaking about their MDD Ohio experiences.

MDD Ohio mobilizes thousands of volunteers each October, whose service impacts countless others. Several years ago, the Warren Tribune-Chronicle newspaper challenged the Warren community to list MDD Ohio service project in the paper. The first year’s results were overwhelming; by challenging and encouraging local readers they had mobilized volunteers to participate in 80 projects. The following year they exceeded 100 and have no plans to stop there. One facet of MDD Ohio is to encourage participation through the presentation of recognition awards to outstanding projects to celebrate volunteer service. Annually the recipients have been greeted on stage to the applause of an enthusiastic audience and the First Lady of Ohio who presents their plaque.

Ohio’s volunteers have risen to answer the call to service as a result of the dedication of Mrs. Hope Taft, and she looks forward to more people to answer the call each year going forth.

Jonathan Nussbaum

Jonathan Nussbaum is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA. In addition to doing what other high school seniors do, Jonathan has raised nearly $50,000 for cancer research by organizing Northern Virginia’s first youth-only Relay for Life, a fund-raising and cancer awareness event that benefits the American Cancer Society.

Jonathan, whose mother survived a difficult fight with cancer, was an active Relay for Life volunteer for many years, and was consistently a top youth fund-raiser. But when a classmate lost her life to cancer two years ago, Jonathan knew he had to do something more. “I saw in the faces of my friends the same pain that cancer had inflicted upon my family,” said Jonathan. “They were searching for a way to honor her and come to terms with her death.”

Jonathan provided an answer. To produce his own Relay for Life, he recruited a core group of volunteers; enlisted his Boy Scout troop to provide additional support; met with school officials to arrange for parking, security, and the use of school facilities; and planned activities for the day of the event.

In the end, the 300 students who participated in Jonathan’s relay raised an amount almost double anyone’s expectations. In addition, Jonathan created a handbook that the American Cancer Society can distribute to young people across the country who are interested in organizing a Relay for Life team.

“Beyond all the dollars and cents, we raised awareness for cancer advocacy programs and educated our participants about cancer prevention,” said Jonathan, “Most importantly, we honored our cancer survivors, letting them know that they would never be alone in their battle.”

Alexander Brothers

Alexander Brothers is a junior at Kennett High School in Kennett Square, PA. He conducted a bone marrow registration drive to educate his community about the need for unrelated marrow donors, and to increase the size and diversity of the National Marrow Donor Registry.

As a regular volunteer at the Delaware Ronald McDonald House, Alexander often meets children who have life-threatening blood diseases but could be cured with a marrow transplant from an unrelated volunteer donor. The need is particularly great among minority populations, since they are underrepresented in the national registry, he said.

“Because I live in an ethnically diverse community, I realized it was the perfect location to base a marrow donor registry drive.” After enlisting the help of Boy Scout leaders and the Hispanic and African American service clubs at his school, Alexander formed a volunteer steering committee. He then designed a logo, selected a date for the daylong drive, prepared a timeline, and assigned subcommittees to handle publicity, fund-raising, registration, operations, and hospitality.

To get the word out, Alexander and his fellow volunteers contacted churches and social groups, posted flyers all over town, and set up an information hotline in Spanish and English. They also raised nearly $5,000 to pay for non-minority tissue typing by soliciting donations from local businesses and selling novelty items at community events. After nine months of planning and preparation, Alexander’s drive succeeded in adding dozens of new names to the National Marrow Donor Registry and making people throughout his community aware of the importance of marrow donors.

“The experience showed me how many good and caring people there are in my community and that they come from all ethnic backgrounds,” said Alexander.

Brian McPartland

Brian McPartland, a seventh-grader at Henry H. Wells Middle School, has spearheaded several initiatives that have raised public awareness and more than $7,500 to combat cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease he has had since birth. “My family has worked hard to help keep me healthy until a cure is found,” said Brian, “In sixth grade, I decided it was time for me to take a leadership role to help the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation find a cure for CF. I also wanted to help others that fight the daily battle of living with CF.”

To begin his mission, Brian organized a “Great Strides Walk” fund-raiser at his school, which attracted 100 walkers and yielded more than $2,500 for the foundation. Then he raised another $5,000 through a letter-writing campaign to family friends and other community members, which stressed how hard scientists are working to find a cure for CF and how much progress is being made.

In addition, Brian persuaded the Hudson Valley Renegades baseball team to sponsor a CF Awareness Night during one of its home games, where Brian handed out CF awareness wristbands purchased by the team and threw out the first pitch. The team also gave free tickets to CF patients and their families for games throughout the season. “I will always have cystic fibrosis, a disease in which only half the people live until they’re 30 years old, unless a cure is found,” said Brian.