Volunteer United

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.  

Mary has been volunteering with the Great AfterSchool Place (G.A.P.) since January of 2023. G.A.P. Executive Director, Stacey Zerfas, says, “Mary collects and tallies our Hy-Vee receipts. This not only takes a great deal of time, but Mary also assures all criteria are in place for us to submit our receipts and is so professional in completing this. This has been such a great help to us!”

Over the past year, this group of volunteers has worked to develop and enhance the Leadership Brookings program, ensuring it provides meaningful education, networking, and professional growth opportunities. Staff liaison, Casey Stickland, said, “Their commitment to cultivating strong, informed leaders has made a lasting impact, ensuring our community continues to grow and thrive.”

Gloria volunteers with the Brookings Regional Humane Society. The Humane Society Executive Director, Maia Moore, says this, “Gloria is so valued! She has stepped in and just keeps herself busy and has started showing new volunteers how to help. She is cheerful and incredibly detail oriented. We are so lucky to have Gloria here!” Not only is Brookings Regional Humane Society lucky to have Gloria, Brookings County is lucky too!

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!