Every community is shaped by people who give their time, talents and energy to make it a better place.
Experience Chehalis is celebrating those individuals through its new Chehalis Champion of the Month program, a recent news release announced.
Each month, Experience Chehalis will recognize an individual whose service, leadership, generosity or community spirit helps make Chehalis a better place to live, work and visit.
The program kicked off in September with David James named the first Chehalis Champion of the Month.
James is a dedicated community advocate and longtime Experience Chehalis volunteer who can regularly be found lending a hand at local events, creating stage backdrops for Southwest Washington Dance Center, picking up roadside litter, and supporting efforts throughout the community.
“I volunteer for many reasons,” James said.
“First, it feels good to do something meaningful for someone else. Also, a thriving community doesn’t just happen; it takes effort, and I happen to have time and ability. It also sets a good example for my kids. Actions don’t always need a tangible reward, and learning the benefits of living altruistically is important for my kids to see.”
Experience Chehalis Executive Director Annalee Tobey said Chehalis is “filled with people who go above and beyond to make our community stronger.”
“This program gives us an opportunity to shine a light on their contributions and simply say thank you,” she said.
Nominations are open year-round and may be submitted by residents, businesses, nonprofits, civic groups and other community organizations.
Recipients may be recognized for volunteer service, community leadership, acts of kindness or generosity, support of Experience Chehalis and its mission, or other contributions that strengthen the Chehalis community.
Each Chehalis Champion receives a certificate of recognition, a $20 gift certificate to the downtown Chehalis business of their choice and recognition through Experience Chehalis communications.
Residents can submit a nomination at ExperienceChehalis.com/chehalischampion.
