Volunteer United

Between November and December 2025, Patti donated more than 500 food and personal care items to the BAUW Basic Needs Task Force, making a meaningful impact during a critical time for our community. As a dedicated volunteer, Patti regularly creates meal and hygiene bags with her grandkids and stepped up even further when SNAP benefits were disrupted, ensuring neighbors in need continued to feel supported. By including handwritten recipe cards and words of affirmation, she spreads kindness while modeling the importance of compassion and service for the next generation.

Samantha has made an exceptional impact on Margo’s Place through her organizational services for the emergency shelter. With thoughtful consideration and intention, Sam recognized the urgency of maintaining clean, organized, and maximized spaces, transforming the shelters environment into efficient and usable areas.

Through her continued efforts to optimize spaces and increase efficiency, Sam has helped staff spend more time supporting clients. Her work has benefited nearly 100 individuals and families while creating a more welcoming and functional environment.

Feeding Brookings operates through volunteers who work tirelessly each week to prepare, pack, distribute, and deliver food to local households in need. From sorting donations and assembling boxes to greeting guests and coordinating operations behind the scenes, this team consistently demonstrates compassion, teamwork, and reliability.

Their efforts help provide food and support to more than 400 households and over 1,000 individuals each week. The success of Feeding Brookings is a direct reflection of the commitment and generosity of this remarkable volunteer group.

For 55 years, the Brookings Summer Arts Festival Committee has helped bring art, music, food, and community together in Brookings. This dedicated group of volunteers works year-round to organize and host nearly 300 artists and vendors while creating a fun and welcoming experience for the entire community.

Their efforts not only provide a wonderful cultural event, but also support local nonprofits, businesses, and organizations throughout Brookings. The Brookings Summer Arts Festival Committee’s passion, teamwork, and commitment continue to make a lasting impact on our community and create memories for generations to come.

Connie, a multi-talented and active member of the Brookings community, began serving as a Senior Companion volunteer in January 2024. Since then, she has dedicated more than 950 hours of service and driven over 5,200 miles while supporting older adults throughout Brookings and the surrounding area. She currently serves three clients and is known for her creativity, positivity, and ability to bring joy and laughter to those around her.

She enjoys sharing all that Brookings has to offer with her clients and always looks for the everyday miracles she discovers through volunteering.

Over the past year, Advance volunteers have strengthened the Brookings community by delivering meals to local residents’ homes. Through their daily service, they provided older adults, homebound individuals, and others facing food barriers with reliable meals, wellness check-ins, and meaningful human connection.

Their dedication has reduced isolation, supported independent living, and improved quality of life for some of Brookings’ most vulnerable residents. Through compassion, connection, and service, these volunteers bring Advance’s mission to life by creating opportunities for people to live life to the fullest. Thank you to the Advance volunteers!

Robin Buterbaugh, Tyler Hanson, Perry Johnson, Joe Salvati, and Wendy Long have made a lasting difference at the Brookings Boys & Girls Club Teen Center by sharing their time, talents, knowledge, and passions with local youth. Through gardening, Esports, outdoor adventures, creative activities, and hands-on learning, they have opened the door for members to explore new interests, learn new skills, and create lasting memories.

Their combined efforts are a wonderful example of the difference community members can make when they invest in local youth. Through their generosity and dedication, they have expanded opportunities, strengthened relationships, and helped build a stronger connection between the Teen Center and the Brookings community.