The call is out for Oregonians who are making a difference in their communities through volunteering. AARP has opened nominations for the 2021 Andrus Award for Community Service, which recognizes individuals or couples who are helping out their fellow Oregonians.
Sarah Bader, program specialist for AARP Oregon, said volunteers and nonprofits have still been going strong during the pandemic.
“More than ever, we’re so honored to be able to award those folks who have done such great work, even during these difficult times,” Bader stated.
Nominees must be 50 or older and perform their duties for the community on a volunteer basis. Both the winner of the award and their nominator will get to choose a nonprofit to get a $500 donation from AARP Oregon. The deadline for nominations is August 15. Bader noted she works with about 130 AARP volunteers across Oregon who have continued to help out over this past year.
“We still have such a dynamic group of volunteers that share their time and talent with us,” Bader explained. “We do approximately 150 to 200 events a year still, even in this virtual environment, and they show up in so many ways.”
Last year’s winner was Julie Manuel, an AARP Oregon volunteer in Washington County. Bader described her as a “silent warrior” doing work behind the scenes for the organization.
