Big Lake Lion helping build Habitat home

United Way Volunteer Spotlight

BIG LAKE — Local service organizations like the Lions' Clubs are chock full of volunteers who perform a variety of tasks. But one sticks out as a leader, according to the zone chairman.

Jess Sharp of the Big Lake Lions nominated Phil Hill for the United Way Volunteer Spotlight, because of the many projects he is involved with.

"As a zone chairman for District 49A Lions Clubs on the Parks Highway, I work with many volunteers. Phil Hill of the Big Lake Lions stands out as an example to all of the other volunteers in Mat-Su," Sharp wrote in his nomination letter.

"He is always busy working on many projects to improve our community," he continued.

A few of the projects Hill has been a part of include obtaining funding for eye surgery and eyeglasses for people who can't afford to do it themselves; increasing awareness or organ and blood donation, and diabetes.

Perhaps the largest project Hill has undertaken recently is that of a Habitat for Humanity home, which is being built through the Lions Club.

For the past month, Hill has been at the job site, pounding nails and helping the house go up in a timely fashion.

"Without his dedication to this project, the house would be far from being on schedule," Sharp wrote. "He has been instrumental in coordinating the building."

Hill's volunteer service isn't limited to construction or awareness of issues, either.

He is involved with a number of youth-related organizations, including the Big Lake Leos, which were named one of the top 10 worldwide Leo organizations.

He works with youth on community projects, and he often chaperones youth dances. There is no end to Hill's community service and volunteerism.

Being a volunteer is often a thankless job, but people see what Hill has accomplished and are thankful he is a part of the Valley.

"Without Phil's commitment to the Valley, his energy, and his willingness to commit to projects, the Valley would be a much different place to live in," Sharp said.

Communities in the Mat-Su Valley benefit every day from the work of volunteers.

Mostly, the work performed and the volunteers themselves remain out of the spotlight.

They are faceless people who give their time and their talent each day, without expecting or receiving much recognition.

We want to change that.

Is there a volunteer your nonprofit agency simply could not live without? Does one person make a big difference in your life every day, all without asking for anything in return? If so, please let us know. We'd like to let the community know, as well.

We want to shed light on the efforts many of these unassuming people give every day to charities, nonprofit agencies, local organizations or even their neighbors. They are out there, but they don't often get thanked for their efforts.

In future issues of the Frontiersman, we will highlight some of these people and the work they perform that makes the Mat-Su Valley a great place to live.

To nominate a person to be highlighted, please e-mail the person's name, a contact number for them and for yourself, and a brief description of what makes the work they do important. We'll take it from there, and give them some recognition.

E-mail submissions to editor@alaska.net, or mail them to the Frontiersman, 5751 E. Mayflower Ct., Wasilla, AK, 99654. Please fax submissions to 352-2276.