‘Volunteer Heroes’ recognized for work in community

Maui County has nominated 15 people to be honored for their volunteer work in conservation, home building, social services and other local causes.

The Volunteer Heroes Celebration of Service awards is a special annual program of the county Department of Housing and Human Concerns’ Volunteer Center. Every volunteer who is nominated receives a special certificate of appreciation and a volunteer hero T-shirt.

This year’s nominees are:

• Bob and Lis Richardson, University of Hawaii Sea Grant.

• Crystal Smythe, Maui Historical Society, Hale Ho‘ike‘ike at the Bailey House.

• Ellen McKinley, Malama Maui Nui.

• James and Melanie Padgett, Organ Transplant Maui.

• Jay Goldlist, Pacific Primate Sanctuary.

• Kathleen Soule, Na Hoaloha.

• Katie Zimmerman, Maui Rescue Mission.

• Kristy Gund, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council.

• Lois Reiswig, Hui Hoaloha Group.

• Loretta Spencer, Haku Baldwin Center.

• Malika Newport, The Maui Farm.

• Michael Young, Habitat for Humanity Maui.

• Mona Cherry, Mental Health America of Hawaii.

• Veni Villarimo — East Maui Animal Refuge (Boo Boo Zoo).

“We cannot measure the positive impact of all the volunteers on Maui, Molokai and Lanai,” said Wendy Stebbins, Volunteer Center coordinator. “This year, I want to send an extra thank you to all the volunteers and volunteer agencies privoting to serve during the pandemic.”

For more information about the nominees’ volunteer work, visit handsonmaui.com.

To learn more about the Volunteer Center, visit the same website or call Stebbins at 270-7150.