Shepherd’s Hand

Whitefish, Montana

Shepherd’s Hand, in addition to continuing to provide a free medical clinic and a free, weekly, community meal, began providing a free dental clinic in January, 2014. Each month, Community Meals serves over 500 meals, the Free Clinic services over 190 medical patients and 50 dental patients on average. In 2013, Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic provided over $800,000 worth of services to the underinsured and uninsured. The commitment and dedication from the hundreds of doctors, nurses, health care providers, and volunteers is unmatched in the valley, and a true testament to Shepherd’s Hand’s commitment to helping those less fortunate and in need of a helping hand.

Jack and Connie Heckathorn

Whitefish, Montana

Jack and Connie Heckathorn have contributed and continue to contribute an incredible amount of financial support and “sweat equity” to the Whitefish Community Library, including: decades of active library-related volunteering; planning and fundraising related to the construction of the new library facility; purchasing thousands of dollars of books, materials, and assets; offering their expertise in a variety of areas, and providing the vision to help the Whitefish Community Library be all that it can be for the community.

Elgin CERT and Elgin Fire Corps

Elgin, Illinois

On Oct. 22, Kaptain also recognized the Community Emergency Response Team and Elgin Fire Corps leadership team: Darlene Burnap, Ginny Goyer, Steven Palewski, Harry Rhoades, Doug Lane and Kevin Smith.

That night, Elgin Emergency Management Coordinator Karen Flanagan said of the volunteers, “They don’t just volunteer. They take time away from their families, their jobs, and their own lives because they choose to make a difference. Without hesitation they respond, often in the middle of the night. They don’t do it for accolades or awards — they do it because they care.”

Youth United Way of Elgin

Elgin, Illinois

Another group recognized by the city on Oct. 22 was the Youth United Way of Elgin, which currently is made up of more 35 teens from five area high schools.

“In one year alone, these students have volunteered more than 4,000 hours for organizations such as PADS of Elgin, Community Crisis Center, Elgin Soup Kettles, and Centro de Informacion, as well as for events such as Volunteer-Palooza, the Green Expo, and Nightmare on Chicago Street,” Valdez-Wilson said. “They’ve even helped plant flowers outside of the Centre in the springtime.”

Joe and Armida Dominguez

Elgin, Illinois

On Oct. 22, Elgin Management Analyst Laura Valdez-Wilson said Armida, 73, and Joe Dominguez, 75, “carry a deeply rooted sense of service, dedication and sense of humor in all that they do, whether it’s as Downtown Neighborhood Association board members, working with Shared Harvest Food Co-op, volunteering at their church or at Advocate Sherman Hospital (where Armida once worked).”…

…As to why the couple gets involved, Armida said, “We enjoy the connection and meeting different people from many cultures. You learn that we are all so much alike, that there’s a basic humanity. Everybody wants to be loved and wanted, but you have to get out of yourself to do so.”

Angela Shutran

Green River, Wyoming

Angela Shutran has served on numerous boards over the course of many, many years. Ms. Shutran currently serves on the Chamber of Commerce Board, the Community Chest and the Library Board. She is a forward thinker who always strives to improve the quality of life in her home town.

Jeiremy Gomez

Green River, Wyoming

Jeiremy Gomez was instrumental in establishing the City’s new Thomas Moran Mining Memorial Park. He is currently the Chair of the Green River Arts Council and volunteers hours of his time setting up the River Festival every year. Organizers say “no matter the job, Jeiremy is there to help!”

Dottie Krauss

Green River, Wyoming

Dottie Krauss is a superstar volunteer! She serves on numerous boards including the City’s Tree Board and the Airport Taskforce. Krauss also volunteers with the Main Street Agency and generously donates her time to the Senior Center.

Allan Wilson

Green River, Wyoming

Allan Wilson spent 34 years working for the City of Green River during which time he pioneered many projects for the community including the Green Belt and miles of walking and biking paths. Mr. Wilson still serves on the boards of many civic organizations and volunteers his time and knowledge whenever and wherever he can.

Clay Thompson

Salina, Kansas

Mayor Aaron Householter presents the proclamation for Extra Mile Day to Clay Thompson, Chair of The Volunteer Connection Advisory Council, for his outstanding dedication and service to the Salina community and the North Central Kansas Volunteer Center.

Extra Mile Heroes in Huntington

Huntington, Indiana

They include (from left) Chris Kauffman, Jenna Strick, Rev. Richard Strick, Justin Barker, Phillip Marlow and Rev. Marti Lundy, with Allison Timbrook, the city’s community engagement coordinator. Mayor Brooks Fetters is seated at the center.

Justin Speck, Artistic Director

Rapid City, South Dakota

Justin Speck (3rd from left) is the artistic director of Black Hills Community Theatre and Rapid City Central High School’s theatre department. Speck has developed Central’s drama club into one of the top student theatrical groups in the state. He also has won top ratings 10 years in a row with award-winning orginial plays and musicals.

I’ve heard him speak about the importance of giving our youth opportunities to see and do different things. He is determined to go above and beyond the call of duty every day, and that is why he was chosen to be an Extra Mile Hero.

Ken Lunde

Barre City, Vermont

The City of Barre is blessed to have a large area known as the Cow Pasture which is available to all area residents for recreational uses; hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, mountain biking. Volunteers serve on a committee that oversees the Pasture, including Ken Lunde, who spends significant time mowing in the Pasture to keep the trails open. A shining example of those who “just do it!”

Barre Rotary Club

Barre City, Vermont

For the past two years, the Barre Rotary Club has led a group of citizens and members of other service clubs in cleaning up the downtown. Every Thursday evening they walk up and down North Main Street picking up trash and making our downtown more attractive and inviting.

Bob Sager

Barre City, Vermont

Bob Sager works tirelessly on behalf of the city, its residents and its downtown business district. Bob has at one point been (or is) on The National Main Street Program accredited Barre Partnership, (past president) The Barre Lions Club, The Barre Merchants Bureau (past president). He has sat on the City of Barre Development Review Board and is currently part of the Public Safety Review board to discuss a merger of public safety services in Central Vermont.

Beth Mueller

Barre City, Vermont

Beth Mueller organized a weekly community breakfast program to feed the homeless. She has worked with area churches, the library, and social service agencies to ensure that there are warming sites available when the weather is cold for those who have no shelter. Beth serves on the Washington County Diversion Board, helping first-time offenders avoid re-offending.

Wayne Pelkey

Barre City, Vermont

Wayne Pelkey has contributed a lifetime of community service including positions on numerous town boards and committees, leader with the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers and Barre Area Development, and especially the Barre and Vermont State Jaycees.

Irene Robertson & Richard “Carp” Carpenter

Barre City, Vermont

Nonagenarian Irene Robertson and septuagenarian Richard “Carp” Carpenter have been delighting audiences for decades with their musical virtuosity on piano and saxophone, respectively. For the past several decades, they have volunteered their time and talents to provide free entertainment at senior centers and nursing homes throughout central Vermont.

Vic Barra

Westland, Michigan

Vic serves as the Wayne-Ford Civic League President. He helps in the community and is always first in line to volunteer.

Mike Londeau

Westland, Michigan

Mike is a resident who volunteers at nearly every City function. He is a member of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Council. Mike is a caring person and is involved in many charitable efforts.

Lou Toarmina

Westland, Michigan

Lou is a Westland business owner, the Rotary Club President, and a long-time Red Cross volunteer. Lou always steps up to help out for charitable efforts.

Cub Scouts

Westland, Michigan

On Extra Mile Day the Cub Scouts went door to door in Westland hanging bags on doors for residents to fill with food for the needy.

Jim and Connie Rogers

Alamogordo, New Mexico

Ingo Hoeppner

Alamogordo, New Mexico

Patty Sandin

Blaine, Minnesota

Gail Marinac

Blaine, Minnesota

Ashland, Kentucky Heroes

Ashland, Kentucky

Mayor Chuck D. Charles

Ashland, Kentucky

Gina J. Noble

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Mark W. Eckert, Mayor

Belleville, Illinois

Mayor W. Howard Myers

Petersburg, Virginia

Mayor Harry LaRosiliere

Plano, Texas

Dr. Alan Goracke

Blaine, Minnesota

Center Pointe

Lincoln, Nebraska

Leonard Jackson & Kentay Varnell

Kenosha, Wisconsin