GRAND RAPIDS — United Way of 1000 Lakes is calling on the community to recognize outstanding volunteerism that transforms Itasca-area communities.
Awarded annually, the Volunteer of the Year award honors individuals who selflessly contribute their time, energy and passion to making the community a better place, a news release stated.
Nonprofit organizations wishing to submit a Volunteer of the Year nomination can complete a nomination form. Submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. March 11.
Getting its start in 2015, the award has a history of highlighting community members for their leadership and outstanding service. Past honorees include Karen Tinquist of Foster Love Closet and Gwenn Smith and Cheryl Shepherd of Grace House.
"[They] have set an inspiring example through their tireless commitment to volunteerism," the release stated. "Their groundbreaking work continues to motivate new nominees to serve with heart and purpose."
Volunteer recognition awards are one facet of United Way’s broader strategy to promote volunteerism across the region, alongside initiatives such as Bonfire — the organization's online volunteer portal — and the Volunteer Coordinators Network, a collaborative of volunteer management professionals.
“We’re proud to shine a light on the individuals who work tirelessly to make our community stronger,” stated United Way Executive Director Kimberly Brink Smith in the release. “Our previous honorees exemplify the transformative impact of volunteerism. Last year alone, our honorees contributed over 10,000 hours of service.
"We hope this year’s recognition will inspire even more community engagement and transformative change.”
The Volunteer of the Year award will be presented at United Way’s Community Celebration on May 22 at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids, with finalists receiving recognition during the ceremony.
The event also features the organization’s annual Time for Art auction, which gives bidders an opportunity to bid on local art with volunteer hours instead of dollars. Featured local artwork included glasswork, paintings of nature and landscape, and woodwork and metal sculptures.
Award finalists will also be featured in an article during National Volunteer Month in April. The winner will be determined by a review committee comprising United Way’s Board of Directors and Community Impact Committee.
Questions can be directed to United Way staff at 218-999-7570 or molly@uwlakes.org.
-
Contributed/Two Harbors Agates Swim and DivePark Rapids' Avery Schueller placed third in the 50 freestyle and fifth in the 100 freestyle, and Two Harbors' Bella Imholte ended seventh in the 200 freestyle. -
Contributed/Lancaster SchoolGrand Rapids, Mahnomen/Waubun, Fertile-Beltrami and Kittson County Central all lost, despite multiple attempts at fourth-quarter comebacks. -
Contributed/Book cover—Calumet Editions; author photo—authorMinnesota novelist Will Weaver reunites us with the Haugen family in his new book "Black Dirt, Bright Stars," the sequel to his 2023 novel "Power & Light." This compelling and satisfying novel follows the family through a span of forty years on the prairies of North Dakota and Minnesota. -
Contributed/Canva Pro graphicThe incident near Onigum Road NW, northeast of Walker, is under investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. -
Red Lake Nation's charter school, Endazhi-Nitaawiging, recently partnered with the Nature Conservancy for a new pontoon, with a few school families braving cool temperatures to celebrate its arrival on Nov. 12, 2025. -
Plus: Local leaders sign the Civic Pledge for a Stronger Minnesota.
-
Contributed/Chelsey PerkinsFrom sporting events to first days of school, annual festivals to spontaneous gatherings, moments of triumph or devastating tragedies, Kohls documented it as part of the first draft of history. -
Megan Buffington/KAXECurrent and former state legislators, city councilors and business and other community leaders signed the Civic Pledge for a Stronger Minnesota in Grand Rapids. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Nov. 11, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the changing colors of snowshoe hares, the predicted arrival of snow cover, and more. -
Contributed/Joni LeinonenThis week, we've been asking about the things you made in shop or home economics class.
