After many years of working at a variety of jobs, Desiree Mancuso was never really happy or productive at anything she did. After losing everything she owned to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and seeing the countless animals that either died . . .
Insurance would cover much of the physical damage Hurricane Sandy dealt to Memorial School in Union Beach, N.J., but it wouldn’t help rebuild the school community. Working with school administrators and Fidelity Investments, Jersey Cares came up with a plan . . .
Many in Tracy, Calif., know Brian Pekari as “The Burrito Man.” Last year on a whim, when a new restaurant in town offered a year’s worth of free burritos as its grand opening prize, Pekari camped out in 100-degree weather . . .
Amir Omar has passionately addressed a number of community needs from fighting cancer, inspiring better fitness, encouraging volunteerism, to providing food for the less fortunate. Recently, he has impacted the Richardson, Texas community through beautification, clean air, and the environment. . . .
Three years ago, Carter Jimenez Jenkins’ budding interest in photography led him to a far greater passion. While studying photo essays on the web, he was struck by photographs of entire communities without access to drinkable water. Carter, an eighth . . .
Ed Barker of Chicago likes building playgrounds. It’s not his job, but Barker enjoys it so much that as of this past weekend, he has helped to build 60 community playgrounds across the US. It all started in 2007 when . . .
Abigail Loupe volunteers twice a week or more after school at the all-volunteer no-kill shelter, Animal Rescue New Orleans. Established in October 2005 during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi, Animal Rescue New Orleans rescues and aids . . .
Molly Barker never expected to be a leader. What she remembers most from childhood is a sense of anxiety and shame. As she neared adolescence, she felt invisible and focused her energy on trying to fit in and win approval. . . .
One of the most exciting elements of this year’s Conference on Volunteering and Service was a little hideaway where people laughed, danced and cheered in the name of service: the One America booth.
One week ago today, Points of Light's 2013 Conference on Volunteering and Service convened in Washington, D.C.. Reflecting on an amazing week packed with speakers, workshops and events, I'm having trouble picking just a few high points to share. After . . .