For Immediate Release
Volunteer Fairfax hosts its 30th Annual Volunteer Service Awards
Celebrating Volunteers since 1992
Fairfax, VA – April 8, 2022 – On Tuesday, April 20th, Volunteer Fairfax, together with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, will celebrate 149 nominees, 11 winners, and 10 Community Champions in its second Virtual Awards Program. Now celebrating its 30th year, the 2022 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards ceremony highlights the remarkable achievements of volunteers in several distinct award categories.
The Volunteer Service Awards recognize the work of volunteers in 2021, a year of recovery and adjustment for so many in our community due to COVID-19. And yet, as we see in tough times, there are helpers – those who answered the call to support the community. It was a year of innovating – of finding new volunteer experiences that were not only safe but purposeful and impactful. When we realized the volunteering public was eager to take on these re-imagined volunteer roles, whether virtual, distanced or a hybrid, we thankfully found ourselves breaking historical records for participation in volunteer activities as a result.
Carla Claure, the Lee District Community Champion, demonstrated exceptional leadership as she worked tirelessly to make sure her community had weekly, occurring food distributions that provides food for over 200 families. She also worked closely with the Health Department to create COVID-19 vaccine clinics and to register over 600 residents for vaccine appointments.
The COVID-19 pandemic increased residents’ desire for outdoor recreation and activities close to home. Jim Albright and the Annandale Greenway Team identified and highlighted opportunities in the Mason District for recreation, discovery, history, environmental habitat, etc. – that already were there, but often overlooked.
Through the tremendous work of Fairfax County nonprofit partners, government agencies, and the leaders who support them, volunteers kept showing up to support the people and causes they care about. In challenging times and at the risk of personal health, they displayed kindness and care to others, showing the entire community that good really does connect us all. From a prescription delivered for an elderly neighbor, to a garden planted for the community to enjoy, to a meal delivered for one or many – each of these charitable acts binds our community and displays the deep caring and heart of this community.
Register now to view the 30th Annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards here. Winner profiles will be available on April 20th – here.
For more than 47 years, Volunteer Fairfax continues to mobilize people and resources to meet regional community needs. Visit www.volunteerfairfax.org for more information.
##