Nominations Sought for Volunteer Stars

Shannon Morton, Director of Volunteerism for Greater Ottawa County United Way, invites all Ottawa County residents to nominate individuals for Volunteer Star recognition in April. Anyone who goes above and beyond to give of his or her time and skill to an organization or an individual is eligible for nomination as a Volunteer Star, and anyone may make a nomination.

A Volunteer Star could be someone who volunteers in a nonprofit organization or human service agency, a school, hospital or nursing home, but a star could also be someone who quietly helps another, said Morton.  “The person who shovels snow for an elderly neighbor or someone who drives another to medical appointments is just as eligible to receive a volunteer star as is someone who volunteers for an established organization,” she said.

Nomination forms are available at www.ottawaunitedway.org (on the home page click on “Volunteer” then click “Volunteer Recognition”) and at United Way offices in Holland (115 Clover Street, Suite 300) and Grand Haven (700 Fulton St.) as well as at public libraries and other community locations. Those without Internet access or the ability to pick up a form may call (616) 842-7130 in Grand Haven or (616) 396-7811 in Holland to request a form via mail or fax.  Completed nomination forms are due by Monday, March 22.

Volunteer Stars will be recognized during National Volunteer Recognition Week, April 18-24, through local media and activities planned throughout Ottawa County. For more information, including how to locate or post volunteer opportunities on United Way’s “Volunteer Solutions” website, call Shannon Morton, (616) 396-7811 in Holland or 842-7130 in Grand Haven.