The County of Maui is pleased to recognize these exemplary community members making a significant impact for the islands!
These outstanding members of the Maui County community have dedicated their time, skills, and hearts to serving others and our ʻāina. The Volunteer Heroes Celebration of Service has been recognizing these types of Maui stewards for over a decade. We are proud to share the names and stories of these folks gaining Volunteer Hero status this year. Mahalo to all of these inspiring Maui residents.
These are listed in no particular order.
Paulette Scheffer
Upcountry Strong Inc.
Title/Position: Volunteer at Da Store
Paulette has been a volunteer with Upcountry Strong since the wildfires devastated the Island of Maui. She began at the Pukalani Hub the day it first opened and ever since, she volunteers 3 to 4 times a week. She assists with shopping for food, working the storage packing area, and so much more. She is overall an irreplaceable member of the Upcountry Strong Ohana.
Eric Baizer
East Maui Animal Refuge
Title/Position: Webmaster
Eric has volunteered at East Maui Animal Refuge for many years. He helps with almost every aspect of the organization. He volunteers in the Cattery, has taken on disabled dogs, has been on the board of directors and has maintained the website. His technical knowledge is critical to their ability to serve the public in matters of animal distress daily.
Sarah Sorenson
Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers
Title/Position: Volunteer
Sarah is a blessing and a light to children and families surviving homelessness. Sarah has helped collect donations of clothing, school supplies, food, snacks, bedding and more for many years. She helps find a way to get necessities into the hands and homes of keiki and families. Those extended acts of kindness are ultimately returned to the better served children, families and our community as a whole. Sarah is our "She-ro", our beloved Earth Angel, right here with us on Maui.
Ivy Campbell
Friends of Haleakala National Park
Title/Position: Multi-day Backcountry Service Trip Participant & Co-leader
Ivy Campbell is a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer who has become a cornerstone of the Friends of Haleakalā's multi-day service trips. What sets Ivy apart is her ability to transform challenging backcountry work into inspiring experiences for everyone around her. Her infectious enthusiasm and determination elevate service trip participants morale, especially during demanding projects in Haleakalā's remote areas.
Janice Nishita
Maui Food Bank
Title/Position: Volunteer
From the moment Janice joined the volunteer team in 2022, she has demonstrated dedication, compassion, and a strong work ethic. She consistently goes above and beyond in her efforts to support Maui Food Bank's mission of providing food assistance to those in need. Her selfless dedication and tireless efforts in fighting hunger have earned her Volunteer Hero status. She exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and is truly deserving of this recognition.
Liz May
Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset
Title/Position: Community Service Director
If you talk with just about any nonprofit organization on Maui, they know Liz! On any given day, she knows the needs of the community and mobilizes the power of Rotary to fund needs and sign up volunteers. Liz is the driving force behind dozens of projects, even though she works full-time! The club cannot think of anyone more deserving than Liz May to be recognized as a Volunteer Hero!
Marlene Belschner
What Makes You Feel Beautiful
Title/Position: Maui GEMS Guardian
Marlene is a dedicated and compassionate volunteer who plays a crucial role in the MAUI GEMS youth program as a guardian, ensuring that both the youth and their mentors have a positive and enriching experience. Her unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful connections between mentees and mentors has significantly contributed to the program's success. Marlene goes beyond expectations by actively checking in, providing support, and offering thoughtful guidance to help participants navigate challenges and celebrate achievements.
Gayle Marsh
Maui Humane Society
Title/Position: Front Office Ambassador
Gayle Marsh has been the heart and soul of the volunteer program at Maui Humane Society for nearly 11 years. She joined us in March 2014 and quickly became an invaluable member of every department. Her consistency, positivity, quick wit, and invaluable insight have played a significant role in shaping Maui Humane Society into the loving and successful organization it is today. We are incredibly grateful for all that Gayle has done-and continues to do-for our shelter and the animals we serve.
Donald Vogt
USCG Auxiliary Maui Flotilla
Title/Position: Past Flotilla Commander
Donald has lead the organization even through adversity. Despite the boat he captained in Lahaina being heavily damaged in the devastating fires, he has been instrumental in recruiting new volunteers. Through his leadership, the flotilla has also been able to increase important services to Maui's Boating public.
Thomas Blevins
Ohana Strong
Title/Position: Assistant Director
An original volunteer with Ohana Strong, he started at just 2 years old as a toy tester. He is always wanting to learn new tasks - from how set up goes, to tearing down, running the welcome desk, attending board meetings, and so much more. This kid often skips other more fun activities to stay and volunteer. He has really stepped up the last year as we are growing, not only volunteering with 'Ohana Strong, but also with other organizations and around the neighborhood.
Dylan Martins
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Title/Position: Volunteer Usher
It was easy to notice Dylan was extraordinary the first time he came to volunteer with the MACC. He is a shining example to others and an integral part of keeping events running smoothly. He excels at interacting with patrons and fellow volunteers with Aloha, professionalism, and knowledge. He has made extra effort to help engage more school peers in volunteering. In my many years of leading volunteers I have never seen a Youth Volunteer with such incredible impact on a program. Dylan is truly remarkable, a star, with a very special and lasting influence on those around him!
Gail Pickholz
The Sewing Hui
Title/Position: Sewist
Gail Pickholz has been a dedicated volunteer at The Sewing Hui of Maui since its inception in March 2020. With unwavering commitment, Gail has faithfully volunteered every week. Her remarkable sewing skills and passion for serving the community have made her an invaluable asset to the organization. We are incredibly grateful for Gail's exceptional contributions to The Sewing Hui of Maui. Her dedication, talent, and unwavering spirit have made a profound impact on our organization and the community we serve.
Terese Masters Wormser
Holomua Outreach
Title/Position: Donation Coordinator/Advisor
Terese started helping with houseless outreach in August 2024, providing donations when the organization did outreach on Holomua Rd in Paia. She pours her whole heart into everything she does and makes it a priority to talk to every single person about their needs. She makes an amazing effort to find what every person is seeking when thrifting for donations, and always produces results in the bi-weekly showers and laundry event.
Trish Straus
Na Hoaloha
Title/Position: Volunteer
Trish's warm approach when meeting traumatized kupuna put them more at ease and helped pave the way to more lasting friendships. She provides transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other essential supplies. She is a great listener and pays special attention to learning what simple desires are expressed.
Pastor Emma Nails
Pukalani Community Church of the Nazarene
Title/Position: Volunteer Neighbor Relations Coordinator
Pastor Emma is the Volunteer Neighbor Relations Coordinator for Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village. Housing is so important, but here at the Compassion Village, Emma turns houses into homes. She takes the time to know the village tenants, give them gifts, bake them cookies, take them fresh eggs, and more. She truly takes the village beyond a shelter, to a place of respite. We believe care starts and exceeds in the little things, the unseen, where love and aloha abound beyond. Emma facilitates this beyond measure.
Alexandria Nellis
Best Buddies International
Title/Position: Chapter President, Maui HS Best Buddies
Alexandria became the first student leader and volunteer for Lokelani Intermediate in 2022, where she devoted her time and compassion to helping her peers with disabilities engage in school community activities. Beginning in 2023, Lexie became chapter president at Maui High School. She brings optimism, open heartedness, empathy, and love to all she comes across.
Karima Morgan
Hospice Maui
Title/Position: Bereavement Volunteer
Karima is multi-talented, offering her time and skills in a variety of ways to support patients, their families, staff and volunteers. She is an integral part of the bereavement team, co-facilitating and helping shape our HEAL (Helping Ease A Loss) Grief Support groups. Compassionate and caring, patient and calm - we are so lucky to have her as a friend and part of our team!
Daniel Severino
Maui Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol
Title/Position: Deputy Commander For Cadets
1st Lt Daniel Severino has served as Deputy Commander For Cadets for the past year and has increased the cadet programs side to include over 70 cadets. As a former member of the military, his experience helps cadets learn and absorb the organization's core values of integrity, excellence, respect, and volunteer service.
Richard Kehoe
Grants Central Station
Title/Position: Board President
When the devastating fires struck Maui on August 8, 2023, Richard immediately took action. He helped many grassroots groups navigate the complexities of forming their own 501(c)(3) organizations in record time. Many don't realize that disaster relief isn't just about hands-on work-it requires people like Richard, who ensure financial integrity and sustainability for grassroots efforts. Richard's impact has improved countless lives on Maui, and he truly deserves recognition for his tireless service and commitment to our community.
Julia Holman
Pacific Primate Sanctuary, Inc.
Title/Position: Animal Caregiver
Julia is happy to help in any way, from cleaning enclosures, to preparing special diets and processing produce donations. She is focused, thorough, and efficient. Julia's gentle, calming demeanor puts the monkeys at ease. She is an attentive caregiver, who takes the time to get to know each animal so she can provide individualized care. Julia enjoys being able to serve the animals and support her fellow team members.
Glen Nanod
Common Ground Collective
Title/Position: Fire Relief Volunteer
Glenn Nanod has been a steadfast force of compassion and dedication in our community since the Maui Fires. He began volunteering at the Honokōwai Hub until its closure, then seamlessly transitioned to the Pohaku Park Hub, continuing to serve despite the long drive from Wailuku to the Westside. His selflessness during such a critical time has made an immeasurable impact, and we hope this nomination serves as a small token of the recognition he truly deserves.
