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May 2025

All of you inspire us!

Every year, we get to read the incredible Montgomery Serves Awards nominations showcasing volunteers making a real difference in Montgomery County. While only a handful can receive awards, this is a moment to recognize your impact on our community each day. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to volunteering!

—From the Volunteer Center Staff

The following outstanding volunteers have been selected from dozens of nominations to be honored with the top awards for service in Montgomery County. They will receive the awards at the June 24, 2025, ceremony in Gaithersburg. More information about this event is coming soon!

Volunteer of the Year 

Stephanie Mitchell, for her extraordinary leadership, compassion, and ability to inspire others. She directly impacted the lives of over 150 children, providing them with safe, warm beds and a message of hope.

Youth Volunteer of the Year

Aarna Gundeti, for serving as an influential youth leader and founding Helping Hands for Humanity Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to aiding underserved students in Montgomery County.

Volunteer Group of the Year  

Little Falls Watershed Alliance, for their dedication to habitat restoration and improving water quality in the impaired Little Falls Creek watershed in Montgomery County, engaging over 1,200 volunteers for more than 2,500 hours to tackle environmental challenges. 

Volunteer Business of the Year  

Davis Construction, for their work with Rebuilding Together Montgomery County, providing skilled volunteer services and extensive repairs to support vulnerable homeowners and ensure their safety and well-being.

Neal Potter Path of Achievement Award (for lifetime service by residents aged 60 and up) 

Hettie Fleming, for continuing a legacy of volunteerism and community advocacy, making an impact in all areas of her life by promoting volunteerism at work, church and throughout her community.

Anita Segreti, for her efforts in nurturing students, feeding the hungry, uplifting at-risk youth, supporting education, empowering local businesses and serving her community with unwavering dedication.

Use Your Language Skills to Make a World of Difference!

Support Language Skills ~ Help Build Bridges 

Do you speak more than one language? Your skills are urgently needed to support our diverse community! Multilingual volunteers play a key role in improving access to resources for community members with limited English proficiency. From relaying information and translating materials to assisting with community outreach to helping school-aged children with homework, your language abilities can truly change lives. Visit our website to explore current opportunities to use your language skills to make a difference.

Opportunities to Serve

Commemorate Memorial Day by volunteering this year! Consider Placing Flags on Veteran Graves, helping to Collect Flags from Veteran Graves, working with the Jewish Social Service Agency to Help Honor Military Veterans in Hospice Care or connecting with the South Asian Military Family Support Network.

Have you ever considered volunteering on a farm? We did, so you can, too!

The Make a Difference team recently visited Red Wiggler Care Farm in Germantown. On this sustainable farm, volunteers with and without disabilities come together to work, learn and grow healthy food.

Join Florence on the May Make a Difference episode as she learns from Program Director Becca Roe how farm volunteering teaches teamwork and empathy while fostering an understanding of the labor required to produce food.

Enjoy the full episode on YouTube and check out the series on County Cable Montgomery.

Stay Tuned!

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