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!

Teen Challenge volunteers with the Brookings County Emergency Food Pantry. The staff at the Food Pantry are very appreciative of their help and have this to say, “The Teen Challenge young men have been very helpful to us by helping unload our orders from HyVee and Feeding South Dakota. This work is very heavy work, and we couldn't do it without them. All of the young men that have come to help us are very kind and eager to help, thank you!” 

Brecken and Adler volunteer with the Brookings Area United Way. They faithfully mow the lawn and tackle all sorts of yard work—ensuring that our community can enjoy attractive outdoor spaces. Their consistent kindness and hard work have sparked a well-deserved nomination for July’s Volunteer of the Month. Brecken and Adler’s enthusiasm and teamwork shine a light on the incredible impact even young volunteers can have when they invest their time and energy in the heart of their community.

Scott Donlea is new to Brookings but has already made an incredible impact since joining Volunteer Service Bank (VSB) in March 2025. In just a few short months, he’s driven over 3,000 miles and helped 48 community members get to their medical appointments and access to the care they need. Executive Director of VSB, Molly Perry, said "Scott is always ready to show up for his community and does it with joy and passion. Thank you, Scott for your dedication!"