Purcell earns accolades as volunteer

WASILLA — Pat Purcell admits she might not know when to stop when it comes to volunteering. But, that’s a good thing.

Purcell, a Mat-Su Borough School Board member running for re-election this fall, recently received the Dorothy A. Jones Volunteer of the Year Award from the United Way of Mat-Su.

For Purcell, the honor is humbling.

“I don’t think I’m any more special than any other volunteers,” Purcell said.

Purcell began volunteering when her kids were in school, she said, and has continued to do so for most of her more than 20 years in the Mat-Su Valley.

The Dorothy A. Jones award is given in memory of the long-time Mat-Su volunteer, who the United Way says improved the quality of life for many residents.

Purcell’s nomination came from the Girl Scouts, which wanted to recognize her for her years as a Palmer Service Unit manager.

From there, she was selected by a panel of community leaders who consider nominees by looking at their breadth of service to the community and health and human services, according to a school district news release.

Besides her work with the Girl Scouts, Purcell has also volunteered at Bishop’s Attic thrift store since 1995, among other places.

“I have not learned to sit on my hands,” she said.