2024 Spirit of NH Awards

Every Thursday, without fail, Apryl shows up at her current Habitat for Humanity site to volunteer. She’s participated in building projects in Rochester, Dover, Farmington, Middleton and Raymond, and she always works on projects from start to finish. Generous in sharing her technical skills with others, Apryl possesses a knack for making other volunteers feel comfortable and supported. 

Even though Phil retired from Bear-Paw Regional Greenways – a nonprofit land trust in Northwood that he helped co-found – Bear-Paw’s new leadership only has to call, and he’s ready and willing to dive in. With a long, industrious career in land conservation, Phil is always ready to share his knowledge, experience, and support. His vital interest in conserving New Hampshire’s land is only surpassed by his desire to mentor the next generation of leaders. 

A mainstay in Christ the King Parish in Concord, Mary Jane has volunteered for more than 40 years in the church’s Food Panty. With her team, she volunteers daily to prepare the pantry by unloading and stocking food. She also assists with food distribution – getting to know the people and stories of the people that visit. Through her support, the Pantry is able to provide 6,500 meals per month to individuals and families in need.  

 For 35 years Sue has dedicated herself to Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains serving as troop leader, trainer, Volunteer Support Coordinator, and Volunteer Director of a day camp program at Whispering Pines. Lovingly called “Twinkie” by campers and their families, Sue has shared inspiration with girls, young adults, and other troop leaders for decades. Her former campers-turned-volunteers are a testament to her leadership. 

Serving as a volunteer usher at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, Karen is there to make a patron’s experience the best it can be. For the past six years, Karen’s cheerful professionalism is on display as she greets, directs, and helps concert-goers feel as comfortable as possible. She goes above and beyond, mentoring fellow volunteers and sharing ideas to make the entire team better.  

Donna shares her time and care as an AmeriCorps senior companion volunteer. As a companion, she is connected with three separate home-bound seniors to provide social and other supports to keep them living independently. In addition to her normal service, she has taken on an additional role as a Companion Leader by recruiting other active older adults to follow her lead in offering time and companionship in the Laconia area. 

Doris has been a leader among the garden team at Audubon’s Massabesic Center in Auburn since 2021. Not only does she tend the pollinator and herb garden there, she also participates as the secretary of the Demonstration Garden Committee, and is the volunteer coordinator for the Master Gardener Speakers Bureau. She even became certified in Therapeutic Horticulture to assist people of all needs and abilities learn to love gardening.  

A volunteer for the Granite YMCA for over 11 years, Kraig often spends 40 or more hours a month in his volunteer service there. One of his biggest projects has been in supporting the creation of an indoor food pantry at the Downtown Manchester Y, where he tirelessly found community partners and helped oversee operations. Never one to seek praise, he nonetheless inspires his fellow volunteers with his dedication.  

Deb is one busy lady!  This retired nurse and licensed amateur radio operator volunteers in various ways across the state. She can be found providing Public Health and Safety training for the Central New Hampshire Public Health Network; providing emergency radio communication as a member of the NH Amateur Radio Emergency Service; and even parking cars at the Hebron Fair and the National Night Out in Thornton.   

Through CommunityCare of Lyme, Stephanie gives back by providing complimentary Reiki [ray-kee] services. Offering 4 sessions per week, she provides a safe and calming space for people to seek energy healing for a variety of things: physical pain, stress, and grief.  In 2023 her in-kind contribution was valued at over $9,000, though some would say that the gift she is sharing with others is priceless.  

Lovingly referred to as “Ma”, at 91 years young, Marian has volunteered for most of her life!  In addition to being a volunteer with New Hampshire PBS for 35 years, she has volunteered with organizations like Lee Congregational Church, Red Cross, and the Women’s Guild at Lee Church – just to name a few!  At New Hampshire PBS she is a valued and versatile Spring Auction volunteer.  There is no task too large or too small for her to help with.  

Bob is dedicated to preserving and promoting New Hampshire’s rural heritage through his work with the New Hampshire Farm Museum in Milton. He has been a passionate advocate for local agriculture and history, organizing educational programs and community events that connect people with the region’s farming traditions. With a contagious enthusiasm, Bob inspires countless volunteers and visitors to appreciate the importance of rural culture.  

For the past 27 years, Marie has been supporting animals in need at the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. From fundraising to laundry, over the years Marie has done it all! She always comes to volunteer with a smile on her face, even when it feels like there is a mountain of laundry to summit. It is clear that she volunteers because she loves the animals and she loves the mission.  

Each week, as an AmeriCorps Senior Companion, Mary provides companionship to five older homebound adults. Mary’s kind, patient, and gentle demeanor makes her an ideal support for caregivers in need of a much-needed break. Particularly skilled at working with individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, Mary’s willingness to go above and beyond to support her clients does not go unnoticed! 

Chris has volunteered as a CASA Guardian ad Litem for nearly three years, dedicating many hours each month to help families facing child abuse and neglect. He focuses on family reunification, coordinating with community partners to ensure the well-being of children in foster care. With his attention to detail and compassionate approach, Chris is known by all as an exceptional volunteer. 

A presence at Goodwin Community Health in Somersworth for over 11 years, Dr. Chris Martino provides neurology consultations. He dedicates four hours each month to patients, often assisting with complex cases for people who are uninsured or facing long wait times. He has never canceled a session – traveling two hours round trip from Laconia. Notably, he quickly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease in a patient who had seen multiple specialists. 

Mike has volunteered at Littleton Regional Healthcare since 2018, dedicating an impressive 795 hours last year alone. Known for his kindness and reliability, he supports patients and staff across multiple locations four days a week, often walking up to four miles in a single shift. Mike is also instrumental in recruiting and training new volunteers. He is a true asset to the organization – cherished by patients and staff alike.

 Steve is a dedicated volunteer at Christ the King Parish in Concord, consistently giving his time and energy to support various programs and services. He is known as someone who gets things done! Whether that be unpacking donations for the food pantry, taking scrupulous notes at council meetings, or providing a listening ear to those in need – he does it all. It is clear that Steve wants to make a difference at the church and throughout his community.  

As a member of CommunityCare of Lyme’s care and compassion team, Carol donates her time checking in on neighbors. With her support and weekly check-in calls, neighbors who are otherwise socially isolated have expressed service needs that may have gone unidentified. Carol embodies the team name: she is warm, caring and always willing to lend a compassionate ear and thoughtful response to those she calls. 

Kathy is an outstanding volunteer at the William B. Cashin Senior Activity Center in Manchester. For many years, she has devoted her time to welcoming seniors, organizing engaging events, and ensuring the center operates smoothly. Kathy makes every member feel at home and goes the extra mile to assist those with language barriers, enabling them to fully participate in activities.  

Linda is an indispensable volunteer at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, where she donates her time and talent to honor veterans and their families. An original member of the adopt-a-garden program, Linda has spent hundreds of hours tending not just her own adopted garden but all 100 gardens in the cemetery! Linda’s dedication and commitment to the community inspiring. 

Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County is thrilled to have Martha as part of their volunteer team. In January they opened a new facility in Manchester, and since then Martha has been instrumental in its early success. Her volunteer service stands out because of her positive attitude and willingness to do whatever needs to be done. Martha embodies what it means to be a volunteer and to meet the needs of an organization to fulfill their mission. 

As volunteer at Upreach Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Barbara supports therapeutic riding programs for individuals with disabilities. She is a confident horse handler, allowing the horse to feel confident and creating safe space for participants to thrive. She also mucks stalls and is training to become certified as an Able-Bodied Whip. Barb’s knowledge, kindness, and compassion bring joy to those in her presence.  

Michael is a dedicated volunteer at Maynard House, a Hanover nonprofit that provides adult patients and their families a place to stay outside the hospital while receiving treatment. He supplies essential repairs and maintenance to create a welcoming environment for patients and their families. Not only does he often purchase supplies and complete maintenance projects, Michael also manages volunteer groups, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. 

It’s been nearly a decade since Jean first volunteered at WICX Radio, a Catholic Radio station based in Concord. She spends her time creating promos, interviewing key figures, and anchoring events. With a boundless energy directed to help others, Jean also serves on the Board of Directors for the Friends of Cathedral Music Series and offers pro-bono ballroom lessons for homeschoolers.  

Ron spends three–to–four days each week volunteering at Catholic Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehab Caring Hearts program, as a Eucharistic Minister, and at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center. He provides encouragement, hope, and companionship to the patients that he meets with. His impact on the patients is profound, and he provides a true sense of comfort and solace to those who need it most. 

Passionate about preserving local lands, John has been a dedicated volunteer with the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire for nearly two decades. He spends hours on conservation initiatives, including being an active member of the Barrington Trails Committee, to ensure that natural spaces are protected for future generations. When not out in nature, he also volunteers with Journey Song, bringing joy to hospice patients through music. 

Always an unbeatable team, Alex and Sam have volunteered with New Hampshire FIRST Robotics for over 20 years collectively, serving in multiple positions and planning committees for events held throughout the state. Their service benefits more than one thousand students that participate in programs each year as well as the hundreds of volunteers who contribute their time to ensure that the events run smoothly.  

Pascal and Innocent are the two members of the AmeriCorps Refugee & Immigrant Social Empowerment program, known as AmeriCorps RISE. As members, and refugees themselves, they tirelessly provided information and support to new Americans to navigate local transit, use computers and smart phones, and just generally learn about their new home.  

Avant Garde is a FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team made up of five students from the Academy of Science and Design in Nashua. Much of Avant Garde’s volunteer activities are associated with teaching STEM skills to elementary school students who would otherwise not have access. They work with area schools, libraries, and community groups, delivering workshops, camp activities and other learning projects to instill a love of STEM in all ages. 

These dedicated volunteers operate the thrift store, which raises money for Turning Points Network, a crisis center for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in Sullivan County. With their positive attitudes, outside the box thinking, and passion for making a difference through a fun retail environment, this group helps support people at their most vulnerable time. 

In response to the isolation caused by the Pandemic, the Christ the King Phone Outreach Ministry’s mission was formed to provide social interaction, engagement, and support to those who needed it. The team is made up of 15 callers, 4 of whom have made over 2,500 phone calls over the course of the last four years. These volunteers have kept their community strong and have provided much-needed companionship during difficult times. 

These volunteers bring comfort to patients and employees alike. This group of 10 certified therapy dogs and their amazing owners are more than just volunteers—they are an integral part of the healthcare team. They coordinate their schedules meticulously to prevent any overlap during pet therapy visits, allowing employees and patients to receive undivided attention. Always going the extra mile, they ensure that patients and their families always feel supported. 

Dan Jock was a beloved firefighter in Woodsville, who passed away due to cancer. To ensure his spirit of service and community lives on, this group of his friends, family, and community members have volunteered together to organize events that raise funds for his Memorial Scholarship, a fund that supports local high school students in their educational pursuits. Though it can be hard work, they consider it a living tribute to a man who was loved by so many.   

For over 20 years, Ed & Terry Lovejoy have volunteered at Christ the King Food Pantry in Concord. Together, they distribute food to clients, do food intake, and restock on the days they get deliveries. They even took on a leadership role to help raise funds to build an even larger building! Though Ed and Terry have given their time, talents, and treasures to the Pantry in roles not often recognized, they continue to serve with a humble and thankful attitude.  

Greg and Roni volunteer as transport drivers for Darbster Animal Rescue in Chichester. They spend numerous days driving to meet semi-local transports throughout the Northeast, often driving back with 10-15 dogs. Their goal is to make a difference in the overcrowded shelter populations in the southern states while enjoying time together. With a love of animals, these two consistently step forward to assist in the care and rescue of dogs in need. 

The 17 volunteers of Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care in Lebanon not only bring wonderful aromas through their baking to the Center, but more importantly, they bring kindness, comfort, and a warm presence. The bakers provide meaningful moments with those they serve – from baking a treat their dying loved one once made, to involving and engaging family members and visitors in the process of baking as an additional outlet of coping.  

Jan and Pam from Brookhaven Hospice lovingly create 30 to 40 beautiful bouquets for hospice patients every single week. Both volunteers are dedicated and amazing, consistently picking up flower donations, bringing them to the office, cutting and sizing them, and arranging these flowers in small vases. The smiles that they bring to the faces of hospice patients are indescribable. 

Since 2000, volunteers of the Manchester Urban Ponds Restoration Program have removed baggable trash and larger items like car tires, shopping carts, construction debris, and other illegally dumped items from seven ponds and parks in the city. They have spent approximately 4,300 hours collecting close to 2,900 bags of trash, amounting to a value of over $103,000 of volunteer time spent at these clean-ups. 

Mark and Marie Redman are a retired married couple who volunteer both together and separately at Christ the King Parish in Concord. As a couple, they clean the church building twice a month. Individually, Mark serves in Hospitality welcoming parishioners to Mass, and Marie sings-in and supports the choir. For them, service is never siloed into neat lists of activities; it is doing whatever needs to be done, whenever it needs to be done. 

The New Boston Rail Trail Steering Committee is a group of volunteers that support planning efforts for the multi-use rail trail located along the Piscataquog River in New Boston. Committee members do everything related to Rail Trail planning, including spearheading fundraising events, organizing trail maintenance days, scheduling community trail activities, and promoting the trail to the public. Not only do they coordinate events, they also volunteer at them! 

The 10 volunteers of the Plaistow Elder Affairs Committee organize and implement programming – such as craft fairs, Tea Parties, a Senior Wellness event, and seasonal socials –   targeting Seniors in Plaistow and other towns. Together, they are instrumental in bringing local Seniors together, providing activities, companionship, and helping others understand what free support is available to them locally.  

The Strafford County Community Work Program consists of court-ordered and other participants who are referred to the program. They have worked closely with Special Olympics New Hampshire for 19 years, with participants averaging over 400 hours of support annually at their events and other service opportunities. When Special Olympics calls with a need, these volunteers find a way to make it happen.  

Hear ye! Hear ye! The Concord Monitor Town Criers are a dedicated group of 20 Granite Staters who love their communities so much, they want to bring residents news of all kinds. Every day we lose newspapers, but the Town Criers continue to make sure EVERYONE has access to the wonderful NH Events. You can call them old-fashioned, but they are an integral part of NH’s personality, history, ambiance, and tradition of giving! 

Tom and Chrissy are two people, but the unique beauty of their volunteerism at Make-A-Wish New Hampshire lies in their ability to bring people together. For the past 25 years, they have done everything from fundraising, to creating their own Foundation, to becoming wish-granters themselves. Always reliable, they have established themselves as a pair that Make-A-Wish NH can undoubtably count on, and they always make Wish Families feel that they’re not alone. 

Lovingly referred to as the “RadioActive Team”, these volunteers have made things happen for most of the 9 years WICX, a nonprofit Catholic radio station in Concord, has been on the air. Every single task, connected cable, promo, late night, turned dial, and pushed button is done by community members, for community members.  They entertain, comfort, inform, fight for and love their community—every on and off the air moment, 24/7. 

Service description coming soon!

Carroll County RSVP’s Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Drivers provide support to seniors, adults with disabilities, and veterans in accessing medical appointments. With over 50 volunteers, the program transported 667 clients, logging an impressive 25,816 miles driven in 2023 alone. This service enables individuals to maintain their independence and receive essential care, making a significant impact in the Carroll County community.  

The Concord Composite Squadron of New Hampshire Civil Air Patrol is a dedicated volunteer organization that plays a vital role in community service and emergency response within the state. With 71 members, including 45 cadets, the squadron engages in search and rescue training, disaster relief, youth mentoring, and various community events. Their recent efforts include assisting with aerial reconnaissance and data collection after flooding in Vermont. 

In 2023, Eversource New Hampshire employees contributed over 3,800 volunteer hours across 36 events, partnering with over 25 nonprofit organizations. Notable initiatives included significant support for Special Olympics New Hampshire, such as fundraising and participation in the Penguin Plunge. Eversource encourages employee engagement by allowing paid time off for volunteer activities, showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact 

The Ghost Train Trail Races, is a weekend of trail running races held between Brookline and Milford. Supported entirely by volunteers, 100% of proceeds from the race go to the Milford and Brookline Conservation Commissions. Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, these races have raised over $225,000 to fund conservation efforts in the area. More than 200 volunteers take on all roles from race planning, setup and breakdown, and support of the hundreds of runners.  

Comprised of a vibrant group of girls and dedicated adult leaders, Girl Scout Troop 10424, based in Gilford, truly embody the spirit of community service. This past year, they earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award by creating over 100 thoughtful care bags for chemotherapy patients at Concord Hospital. One of their standout events is “Girl-giving,” where they come together to create and donate Thanksgiving baskets for families in need.  

Hypertherm Associates, a manufacturing company in Lebanon, has championed community volunteerism for over a decade, providing each of its 1,200 New Hampshire employees with 40 hours of paid volunteer time each year. Through initiatives like their annual spring workday at Grafton Pond, employees engage in community projects, contributing approximately 25,000 hours of service annually.  

Karascene, a gift shop in Hudson, exemplifies a business committed to promoting volunteerism in New Hampshire. By organizing community drives for nonprofits like Catie’s Closet and the Hudson NH Community Food Pantry, Karascene encourages community participation in meaningful service projects. This business fosters kindness through initiatives such as “the giving box” and “giving tote,” designed to inspire acts of generosity within the community.  

CommunityCare of Lyme’s Food Pantry relies on approximately 24 amazing volunteers who contribute 2 to 20 hours each week to manage food distribution, organize the space, and create a welcoming environment. The volunteers share a strong sense of community, allowing the pantry to provide essential services and holiday meals. This vibrant volunteer team significantly enhances the pantry’s operations and impact in the community. 

The Mirror Lake Aquatic Plant Monitors, part of the Mirror Lake Protective Association, are volunteers working to preserve the lake’s pristine quality. For over a decade, they’ve surveyed the shoreline, identified native and invasive plant species, and collaborated with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services for necessary remediation. Their efforts protect the ecosystem and enhance recreational experiences for everyone who enjoys the lake. 

With over 200 dedicated volunteers, many of whom draw from their own experiences, NAMI New Hampshire’s Volunteer Program plays a vital role in supporting individuals affected by mental illness and suicide. The program provides support groups and educational sessions where volunteers share their stories and bring hope to others, helping to reduce stigma and create a compassionate community.  

When youth have a loved one in their lives diagnosed with cancer, On Belay is there. Volunteers in this program help kids aged 8-to-18 cope by leading them through fun and adventurous activities, making them feel connected and resilient during difficult times. In the climbing world, the word “belay” means to “secure” or “hold fast”, and that’s what these volunteers do for the youth in the program.  

SCORE Granite Region thrives on the dedication of its volunteers, who are experienced business professionals committed to mentoring small business owners in New Hampshire. These volunteers provide invaluable support through personalized guidance, workshops, and educational seminars, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and achieve their goals. In the past year, their efforts have significantly impacted hundreds of local businesses.  

By connecting consumers with regional producers, Seacoast Eat Local, located in Lee, strengthens the local food economy. With a robust network of volunteers, they facilitate farmers markets and educational programs, making fresh, locally grown food accessible to everyone, including low-income families through SNAP/EBT initiatives. Since their inception in 2007, they’ve expanded from two to six farmers markets and even launched a mobile market. 

The Southern NH Ukulele Group, established in 2012, is driven by a passionate team of volunteers who use their love for music to make a positive impact. With about a dozen volunteers participating in each performance, they have raised over $107,000 for the Ukulele Kids Club, providing instruments and music therapy to hospitalized children. In 2023 alone, they hosted 110 events. 

In 2023, over 645 volunteer drivers from 23 different volunteer driver programs across the state helped thousands of residents with rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and social events – vital for maintaining independence. Volunteers donated nearly 38,000 hours and traveled over 713,000 miles. These efforts not only support those in need but also reduce isolation and promote healthier lives. 

The UNH Extension Education Center Infoline volunteer program was first created in 2001 to provide a free service to New Hampshire homeowners (and beyond) with any yard and garden questions. Volunteers, trained as Master Gardeners and Natural Resource Stewards, are tasked with researching and answering questions that come in via phone, email, or walk-in. While it does take work, the volunteers consistently share that the Education Center is their “happy place”.   

Known as “Hope FM,” 102.7 WICX Radio, New Hampshire’s only Catholic radio station, is a nonprofit that has been uplifting its listeners for nine years through the tireless efforts of its all-volunteer staff.  In fact, promoting volunteerism is at the heart of the station. It was created by a group of volunteers with no knowledge of radio, but through their persistence, it’s still able to offer inspiring programming, local news, and heartfelt discussions to uplift the community.