Dorothy A. Jones Volunteer of the Year 2010

Ola Williams

The Dorothy A. Jones Volunteer of the Year Award was established in 1993 by the United Way of Mat-Su to honor the memory of Dorothy A. Jones, a foremost community leader whose dedicated service helped to improve the quality of life for Mat-Su residents. To the end of her life, she served on the United Way Board of Directors in addition to her many other areas of service. The award is presented annually.

2010 recipient, Ola Williams, received her award at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on March 16, 2011 at the Palmer Chamber of Commerce meeting sponsored by The United Way of Mat-Su.

Ola Williams, is a longtime Valley resident and volunteer. Starting in 1999 she assisted with the Girl Scout Cookie Depot and took over managing it in 2002. This involves coordination of 100 volunteers, site location & 84,000 boxes of cookies. With precision she has pick-ups every 5 minutes for a 10 hour period. So as you eat your Girl Scout cookies think of Ola and her efficient work. In addition to being Cookie Coordinator from Glacier View through Trapper Creek, she has led 2 Girl Scout troops and a Daisy Kindergarten troop. She is the Little Su Area Unit Manager for Girl Scouts and last year she received the Thanks Badge, Girl Scouts highest adult award. Ola has formed partnerships between the local Girl Scouts and the community to the benefit of the Willow Food Bank and Spring Community Clean-up. Last year she organized the Girl Scouts to sew large holiday stockings, which were filled with donated ornaments and personal hygiene items for local senior citizens and school children. She has been an adult Girl Scout volunteer for 34 years and does not even have a daughter. She truly embodies the spirit of selfless giving.

Ola's contributions are not limited to Girl Scouts. She volunteers at the Willow Elementary after- school program for girls.. She is active in her local church and coordinates multiple churches and organizations to provide Thanksgiving dinners. Last year they served 156 families. She operates the Willow Food Bank one week a month and helps to keep it supplied. She also works with the Government Commodities section. Ola donates her time and funds to help many in her community.

For the last 10 years, she has been the Parent Communication Coordinator for the Jr. Iditarod, which is a 24 hr a day job. In the past she used Ham Radio, but with today's new technology, Ola uses the signals from the tracking devices on each sled to follow the junior mushers and then posts the information on the internet for parents to see. The Jr. Iditarod recognized her efforts by making her an honorary musher.

The Dorothy A Jones Volunteer of the Year Award is intended to honor individuals for exceptional volunteer service in health and human service non-profit activities. Nominees must live and volunteer in the Mat-Su Borough. A distinguished panel of community leaders judges the nominees based on length and breadth of service, as well as, the positive impact to the community.

Congratulations, Ola Williams, and thank you for your dedication to our community.

To nominate an outstanding volunteer please download a Nomination Form (PDF) or call (907) 373-5802