Volunteering can start at any age – just ask 11-year-old Gilbert resident Evan Vowels. The Ashland Ranch Elementary School 6th grader has made volunteerism a part of his daily life. “Evan has always had a giving and thoughtful heart,” shares his mom, Shannon. “He has done service alongside the family since he was very young.”
Evan was recently awarded the Youth Volunteer of the Year award, a great honor for the young boy. “He was really surprised to even be nominated, but to win was a really neat and unexpected experience for him,” shares Shannon.
Evan has taken part in several service projects, including collecting donations and supplies to make homeless kits that were given to the Aris Foundation and the Gilbert Police Department to distribute. He also helped to facilitate a Jelly Drive and a Cereal Drive for Open Arms Food Bank, and enlisted kids to create Valentine’s Cards for Gilber Assisted Living residents.
Shannon says that she believes that for Evan, this is just his way of life now and in the future. “He plans to always volunteer and help those in the community.” His fundraising efforts so far have been limited to his family and friends, but mom says he wants to branch out more. “He has designed a Gilbert t-shirt to sell with proceeds going to his service projects that benefit Gilbert residents in need.”
Each summer, Open Arms food pantry faces shortages as donations decrease while demand rises due to children missing school meals. Evan's jelly/jam drive significantly helped, collecting 702 jars. This donation provided jelly for all families in need throughout the challenging summer months, making a substantial impact on the community.