Serve Washington announces 2026 Washington State Volunteer Service Award winners as April 19-25 marks National Volunteer Week

OLYMPIA—Serve Washington today announced the winners of the 2026 Washington State Volunteer Service Awards, recognizing exceptional individuals and groups whose dedication to volunteer service strengthened communities throughout the state in 2025.

This year, 11 awards were given to groups and individuals who demonstrated exemplary dedication to addressing community needs through volunteerism. These awards highlight significant contributions of individuals, groups and volunteer programs that uplift and strengthen communities across Washington.

“Volunteerism is the heart of our communities,” said Serve Washington Executive Director Trish Almond. “It moves people to give back, surpassing the physical act of service to become a mindset of compassion and collective responsibility. Through the Washington State Volunteer Service Awards we honor those who choose to freely give their time to a cause greater than themselves, whether it’s organized community service or individuals supporting neighbors in need.”

The recipients of the 2026 Washington State Volunteer Service Awards are:

North Puget Sound region (King and Snohomish counties)
• Group: Youth Financial Literacy Program – Finance Forest (Snohomish County)
• Individual: John Clark (King County)
Northeast region (Ferry, Stevens, Pend Orielle, Lincoln and Spokane counties)
• Group: West Plains Water Coalition (Spokane County)
• Individual: Joseph Bostic (Spokane County)
Northwest region (Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan and Island counties)
• Volunteer Program: Ann Washington Daughters of the American Revolution (Skagit County)
• Individual: Terry Walden ‘The Upriver Bike Guy’ (Skagit County)
Peninsula/Coastal region (Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Kitsap counties)
• Group: Friends of Newberry Hill Heritage Park (Kitsap County)
• Individual: Donna Stoffel (Clallam County)
South Puget Sound region (Mason, Thurston, Pierce and Lewis counties)
• Group: Tacoma Trail Cruisers (Thurston County)
• Individual: Rebecca Vinson (Pierce County)
Southwest region (Cowlitz, Skamania, Clark and Wahkiakum counties)
• Individual: Alexander Schoening (Clark County)

Read more about their inspiring volunteer stories.

The announcement coincides with Gov. Bob Ferguson proclaiming Volunteer Appreciation Week in honor of National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, 2026, a nationwide celebration of the people and causes that inspire service. It takes place every year during Global Volunteer Month.

For more information about the awards, visit: Washington State Volunteer Service Awards.