Volunteers earn President’s Service Award

MAT-SU — More than 39 Mat-Su Borough Animal Care and Regulation Shelter volunteers received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their dedicated service.

“The shelter staff and the homeless and abandoned animals we care for are so thankful for their generous efforts,” Mat-Su Borough Volunteer Coordinator Susan Fujimoto said. “We could not do all that we do without them.”

Fujimoto spearheaded creation of the shelter’s volunteer program in late 2008 that now includes more than 200 active volunteers who donate more than 800 hours a month to help care for the animals, raise public awareness and provide comfort to the animals during their stay at the shelter.

At a ceremony March 24, Mat-Su Borough Animal Care Manager Phil Morgan thanked the volunteers for their dedication.

“It’s incredible — 800 hours per month of volunteer help reflects the deep commitment of our community,” he said.

The shelter awarded 22 bronze, four silver and 12 gold pins for volunteer hours worked from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Award levels are based on volunteers’ ages and number of hours volunteered.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make in their communities, and encourage and inspire more people to engage in volunteer service. The award recipients receive an official President’s Volunteer Service Award lapel pin, a personalized certificate of achievement and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Fujimoto at 761-7515.