Melvin & Kathy volunteer with the Salvation Army of Brookings County where they volunteered for multiple shifts of bell ringing this holiday season. They can be found spreading holiday cheer while ringing the bells, playing Christmas music, greeting everyone they meet, and even dancing! It shows in how much they raise each shift that they make a huge impact on our community and the organization.  

Helen Nielsen has volunteered with Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity for four years, contributing over 450 hours. From folding newsletters and stuffing envelopes to keeping the entire office organized, her impact on the organization cannot be understated.

One of her most recent volunteer contributions has included organizing the entire office – almost half of her hours have come in the last seven months while leading this project. Helen ensures that everything has a proper place & has organized storage closets, filing cabinets, and even the utensils in the kitchen. Thanks to Helen, Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity has addressed issues surrounding affordable housing more efficiently in Brookings.

The Brookings Area United Way's Volunteer United program congratulates the Brookings Backpack Project drivers on being named the March 2024 Volunteer of the Month, an area-wide award program sponsored by First Bank & Trust.

The Brookings Backpack Project drivers help deliver nearly 500 bags of food to schools within Brookings County each week. Bags are delivered to all schools within Brookings, Elkton, and Volga to help ensure that kids have access to food over the weekend. The drivers deliver regardless of weather conditions and adjust their schedules when delivery is required early due to early releases or no school days. 

Lorraine has volunteered with the Senior Companion Program since April 2014. Being that her 10th anniversary is this April, this nomination is fitting. During her time with the SCP, she has provided well over 7,000 hours of volunteering. In the last year, she has served an average of four weekly clients.

She helps them with many tasks, such as shopping, transporting them to doctor's appointments, encouraging exercise by attending classes at the Senior Citizen's Center, and helping them with crafts. SCP frequently hears from family members of Lorraine's SCP clients how grateful they are for Lorraine's companionship and consider her a "lifesaver" for all she has done and continues to do.

Edna and Bob Noldan exhibit an unwavering dedication and commitment to the Brookings Activity Center. Edna and Bob are true team players, always willing to collaborate with others and contribute to the collective success of our organization. They foster a sense of camaraderie among volunteers and staff members, making everyone feel valued and appreciated. Their positive attitude and willingness to pitch in wherever needed make them an invaluable asset to our team.

"Edna and Bob actively take on leadership roles within our organizations, providing guidance and support to fellow volunteers and staff members. Their willingness to step up and take charge has been instrumental in driving our initiatives forward”, says
Park and Recreation Director Kristin Zimmerman.

The work of dedicated volunteers, committed to the success of the youth in Brookings County, is the heart of the Family Back2School Project. “These volunteers tirelessly gather necessary supplies and organize a shopping day where students can select their school essentials in a store-like setting,” according to Brookings school district employee Michelle Vande Weerd.

The Family Back2School Project is pivotal to the success and comfortability of the students as they provide free school supplies to all students in Brookings County. The event also provides hygiene items, dental items, and assistance for a pair of shoes. We are grateful for all they do for our community.

The Brookings Backpack Project is so appreciative of all the advice and progress she has been responsible for during her nine years. She served as board President for the past three years. “Sandy brought much knowledge and structure to the organization, and she will be greatly missed, as her term ends in October,” says Cathy Ching.  

She is currently handing out bags to summer participants and promises not to be a stranger and they want her to know that after one year off, she can apply to be board member again. We are so grateful for the work Sandy does for the community! 

“The Optimist Club was instrumental in helping the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce host the first ever new resident BBQ,” states Brookings Chamber employee Casey Stickland. “The club helped welcome new residents of Brookings to the event by providing food, door prizes, and many volunteers to help make this event a success!” We are so grateful to the Optimist Club of Brookings for their partnership with this event! 

Brenda volunteers with the Brookings Area STARS, which is a program of the Brookings Area Interagency Council. She is a dedicated volunteer who is active on the board, heads up an advisory committee, and is faithful to help at all fundraising events and ride nights. According to STARS Director, Valerie Hicks, “Brenda is eager, willing, and thoughtful as well as an asset to our program.”

STARS is so thankful for the dedication of volunteers like Brenda, and cannot run the programs they do without them. Thank you for the commitment you have to STARS and our community, you truly make it a better place!

The Friends of the Brookings Public Library is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that supports all aspects of the Brookings Public Library. The group consists of the Executive Committee, Members, and behind the scenes volunteers.  

The Friends of the Brookings Public Library raises around $15,000 a year for the library. Their efforts support programming for all ages, the purchase of needed resources, and anything that is on the library’s “wishlist” for the group. We want to say a huge thank you to the Friends of the Brookings Public Library for all that they do for our community!