Points of Light

Meet today's Award honoree Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy. Dr. Das Roy’s transition from a distinguished cancer research professor to the full-time founder and president of Breast Cancer Hub Corporation demonstrates her unwavering commitment to making sustainable, impactful changes in the fight against breast cancer and all types of cancer globally.

Read on to find out more about Dr. Das Roy’s inspiring journey and learn how you can nominate a changemaker as a Daily Point of Light.

Researcher and Nonprofit Founder Is a Beacon of Hope in the Fight Against Breast Cancer - Points of Light Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy, who, as the founder and president of Breast Cancer Hub, dedicates her life to supporting cancer patients globally.

The values of service and giving back, embodied by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., were also echoed by Points of Light founder George H.W. Bush, once saying, "Any definition of a successful life must include serving others."

Join us and our community of changemakers in tackling present-day challenges through volunteerism. Read on to learn about ways you can positively impact your community on on January 15th.

Make Martin Luther King Day a Day "On," Not a Day Off From volunteering to honoring volunteers, here are some ways you can make MLK Day “a day on not a day off.”

Meet today's Award honoree Sanjith Sambath. After hearing about children in his home country of India struggling to continue their education without the technology or internet connection that’s needed for virtual learning, Sanijth founded Writing for a Cause.

For the past three years, he's conducted writing and reading workshops and tutoring and has raised thousands of dollars for kids around the world.

Read more about what inspires Sanjith to volunteer and learn how you can nominate an outstanding volunteer for a Daily Point of Light.

Key2Finesse

Teen Raises Money for Causes Around the World Through Writing - Points of Light For three years, Sanjith Sambath has worked with Writing for a Cause and Key2Finesse to bridge the education gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Points of Light, we know the profound strength that lies in community unity. Communities flourish when individuals, organizations and companies actively participate in civic action - utilizing their vote, their voice and their volunteer power to drive lasting change.

As we move into 2024, we remain committed to providing individuals and companies with access to civic engagement opportunities through the shared power of learning, connection and recognition. Save the date for a few of these impactful highlights:

✔️Global Summit on Social Impact in Poland - February 7
✔️Global Volunteer Month - April
✔️Points of Light Conference in Houston - June 11-14
✔️The Civic 50 Survey - Open now - March 14

Visit https://brnw.ch/21wFQar to learn more.

Today's Award honoree Nam Nguyen has never forgotten the support he found as an immigrant from Vietnam and now dedicates thousands of hours to helping others.

His volunteering spans tutoring at local libraries, helping those in mental health crises as a counselor for Crisis Text Line, and most recently, writing letters to deployed servicemembers with Soldiers' Angels.

Learn more about Nam's insights gained as a volunteer and find out how you can nominate a changemaker for a Daily Point of Light.

Chicago Resident Reaches Out to Support Troops Through Letters of Comfort - Points of Light Nam Nguyen has dedicated thousands of hours to volunteering and written nearly 2,000 letters to deployed service members.

Meet today's Award honoree Jack Dalton, a 13-year-old dynamo making waves in the world of conservation and education. Deemed the "Kid Conservationist," Jack speaks at schools, museums, and zoos worldwide and also authored the children's book, "Kawan the Orangutan, Lost in the Rainforest."🦧🌳

Grateful for partnerships with organizations like Orangutan Republic, Borneo Orangutan Survival USA, and Plastic Coalition that amplify his impact, Jack has independently raised over $20K for animal rehabilitation, education, and reforestation.🌍

Read more about Jack's unwavering dedication to creating positive change in our world and learn how you can nominate a changemaker for a Daily Point of Light.

Kid Conservationist

“Kid Conservationist” Fights to Save Orangutans - Points of Light Jack Dalton loves orangutans, and he’s doing everything he can to encourage others to get them off the endangered species list.

As we approach the 95th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 15, let's honor his legacy by contributing to our communities and addressing issues that we're passionate about. Join us in celebrating by exploring these 18 diverse volunteer opportunities that have the power to create positive change.

And for those looking to amplify their impact, don't forget to explore our Day of Service social media toolkit: https://brnw.ch/21wFMgx

18 Volunteer Opportunities You Can Join to be a Part of 2024 MLK Day of Service Join Points of Light’s Global Affiliates across the U.S. to make a positive impact on the 2024 MLK Day of Service.

Meet today's Award honorees, Colette and Anthony Gentile. This dynamic sibling duo utilizes their leadership skills and passion for volunteerism to make a positive impact on seniors who may be feeling disconnected from their families.

Their nonprofit, Siblings for Seniors, is a way for generations to come together and bring meaning to life. They visit a senior facility almost every weekend, spending two to three hours each visit.

Learn more about Colette and Anthony's inspiration for volunteering and learn how you can nominate an outstanding volunteer as a Daily Point of Light.

Brother/Sister Duo Brighten the Lives of Forgotten Seniors - Points of Light Brother and sister duo, full-time students, spend quality time with seniors in senior living facilities to make seniors feel appreciated and remembered.

Happy New Year!🌟May the coming year be filled with growth, collaboration and a shared commitment to creating a brighter, more compassionate world.

Today's Award honoree Ashley Gooden-Stewart felt compelled to open her nonprofit, The Baby Stewart Foundation to honor the loss of her son and spend her days filling the needs of others experiencing difficult times.

She supports families with infants and toddlers by offering services like parenting and safety classes, support groups for parents who have lost a child and donations for those expecting or who need personal hygiene care.

Read more about the most rewarding part of Ashley's work and discover how you can honor a changemaker by nominating them for a Daily Point of Light.

Ashley, the Grief Coach

Strength from Loss: Texas Mom Pays it Forward with Organization that Supports Families - Points of Light Ashley Gooden-Stewart lost her firstborn. To honor her son, she started an organization supporting families with young kids going through difficult times.

Today's Award honoree Godasrita Dintakurti is a leader who champions a sustainable and eco-conscious future for people of all ages in her New Jersey community as a volunteer with Recycle My Battery.

Godasrita has been a part of the organization for more than six years. She’s raised awareness and educated more than 30,000 people in that time and to date has collected more than 50,000 used batteries to be recycled.

Read more about Godasrita's inspiration for volunteering and learn how you can nominate a changemaker for a Daily Point of Light.

Teen Recycles Batteries to Make the World a More Sustainable Place - Points of Light A New Jersey high school teen collects more than 50,000 batteries for recycling since joining Recycle My Battery when she was 11.

In 2015, today's Award honoree Patricia Maxin discovered the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation after her husband’s death from the disease. She has given her time as a board member, a research advocate, a mentor and an annual conference and fundraiser volunteer.

CholangioConnect, a program she founded in 2017, has matched more than 1,100 patients and caregivers with experienced mentors.

Read more about what Patricia has learned from her experiences as a volunteer and learn how you can nominate an outstanding volunteer as a Daily Point of Light.

One Woman’s Journey Through Loss Motivates Her to Guide Others in Their Time of Need - Points of Light Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Patricia Maxin. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily…

Today's Award honoree Adam Katz turned the tragedy of his wife’s death into a vehicle for social good with the founding of the Doreen Katz Memorial Cancer Foundation.

Currently active in 11 states, the Foundation assists children and families of cancer patients by covering the cost of after-school childcare, all school fees for specialty classes for grades K-12 and therapy for children to help them process the situation.

Read more about how Adam is making an impact and discover how you can nominate a changemaker for a Daily Point of Light.

From Loss to Support: Finding Peace in Helping - Points of Light After Adam Katz’s wife died from cancer, he poured his passion into helping children of cancer patients live more normal lives.

Discover nine ways to live out Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy on in our latest blog post. Observed on the third Monday of January, this day highlights the importance of human rights, racial equity and civic engagement.

No matter where you are or how much time you have, there are numerous opportunities to make a positive impact. Save the date for January 15th and create a plan to take part in this meaningful day.

Explore our of Service social media toolkit: https://brnw.ch/21wFzhD

9 Ways to Live Out MLK’s Legacy in Your Own Life - Points of Light How can you carry on MLK’s legacy? Through volunteering, donating, using your voice and more. Read on for ideas and resources.

Today's Award honoree Ava Pakravan is bringing the healing power of art to other young people across her hometown of Hawaii.

As the founder of the nonprofit Art2Wellness Inc., Ava is dedicated to providing art education and supplies to children in challenging circumstances such as living in shelters, staying in hospitals, or facing other difficult situations.

Read on to learn how Ava is making a difference in her community and discover how you can nominate a changemaker for a Daily Point of Light.

Hawaii Teen Helps Heal Children Through Art - Points of Light Hawaii teen uses art to heal the hearts of people facing homelessness, hospitalized children and children who are suffering hardship.

For the past 15 years, today's Award honoree Sharon Mineo's dedication as an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteer has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her extensive volunteer work with Blue Star Families, the Coast Guard Kids Club, the Community Service Society of New York and various other organizations highlights her passion and commitment to serving military families, children and her community.

Discover more about Sharon, including her advice for those interested in beginning their volunteering journey, and find out how you can nominate a changemaker for a Daily Point of Light.

A Pillar of Compassion and Support for Military Families and Beyond - Points of Light Explore the journey of Sharon Mineo, a dedicated volunteer whose service to military families, children and community organizations has made a profound impact.

Meet Kelli Boehle, the founder and president of the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation and today's Award honoree! 🌟 Kelli's unwavering commitment to honoring her son Nikolas's memory has transformed into a powerful mission of happiness to those in their darkest times through Nik's Wish.

Today, we celebrate Kelli's incredible impact, having granted over 318 wishes in 38 states for young adults battling cancer. Read more about Kelli's innovative approaches to fulfilling wishes to an age demographic that doesn't generally qualify for wish programs.

Do you know a changemaker creating community impact? Nominate them today for a Daily Point of Light. 👇

Mother Illuminates Lives for Young Adults with Cancer Through Wish-granting Nonprofit - Points of Light Read the inspiring story of Kelli Boehle, founder of Nik's Wish, who has transformed personal tragedy into hope for young adults battling cancer, granting more than 300 wishes nationwide.

Meet Award honoree Connie Rich. Connie dedicates her time and talents to her volunteer work with her church, community social justice programs and The Heart of Ida, an organization committed to helping seniors remain independent as they age.

Connie spends nearly 50 hours a month building connections with seniors by creating personalized homemade cards with heartfelt messages to send through the mail.

Read more about what Connie wants others to learn from her story and discover how you can nominate a changemaker for a Daily Point of Light.

Snail Mail for Seniors Brings Joy and Connection - Points of Light Connie Rich brings community to isolate seniors by lovingly creating and sending homemade, personalized cards for all occasions.

Embrace the spirit of unity and service this ! Join us on January 15 in honoring the incredible legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by using his example as our call to action.

Discover hundreds of thousands of volunteer opportunities and check out our easy-to-share of Service social media toolkit: https://brnw.ch/21wFrBF

The remarkable story of volunteerism of today's Award honoree Hanseung Oh embodies the essence of community building and honoring history, with personal passion at the center.

As a volunteer with the Korean American Association of Greater Pittsburgh, Hanseung devotes his time and skills to supporting Korean immigrants and Korean War veterans.

Read his inspiring story and learn how you can nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Young Man’s Dedication to Volunteering Honors Korean War Veterans in Pittsburgh - Points of Light Explore the inspiring story of Hanseung Oh, a dedicated volunteer in Pittsburgh who passionately promotes Korean culture and honors Korean War veterans.

We recently connected with Kayla Paulson, service enterprise program national administrator at Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement, who provided her five valuable tips that will not only help you maximize your experience at the conference but also kickstart your organization's journey towards strengthening your nonprofit capacity and operating as a Service Enterprise.

Leverage the Points of Light Conference to Help Strengthen Your Strategic Volunteer Engagement Kayla Paulson, CVA, National Service Enterprise Administrator for AL!VE, shares tips to get the most from the Points of Light Conference.

When today's Award honoree Aadi Gujral realized how many of his teen peers lacked financial literacy, he decided to launch the Foundation for Financial Literacy, or FinLitFun, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing financial literacy to young people.

Through engaging programming such as online games, FinLitFun has taught foundational financial concepts to more than 3,000 users worldwide and raised more than $25,000.

Read more about Aadi's inspiration for volunteering and learn how you can nominate a changemaker for a Daily Point of Light.

California Teen Brings Financial Literacy to Gen Z - Points of Light Aadi Gujral noticed that Gen Z is influenced by consumerism but wasn’t taught financial responsibility. He aims to change that with FinLitFun.

Meet today's Award honoree Zoya Eshwar, a young art 🎨prodigy and the founder of Zoya's Rainbow Touch and the “Pastel Souls” community outreach program.

Using her talent as a force for good, Zoya created a platform where children create art for noble causes. The program has grown to more than 100 youth volunteers, donating more than 1,500 pieces of artwork and organizing various fundraising activities.

Read more about what inspires Zoya to volunteer and discover how you can nominate a changemaker for a Daily Point of Light.

Young Art Prodigy Paints a World of Kindness and Compassion - Points of Light Discover Zoya Eshwar's journey as an art prodigy and philanthropist, merging artistic talent with civic engagement.

🌟Meet today's Award honoree, Maurya Bonu! Facing challenges during the pandemic connecting with his grandparents who were uncomfortable with technology, 17-year-old Maurya turned a personal struggle into a brilliant idea – empowering others with digital skills. Enter Code2Connect.

Maurya passionately teaches coding to middle school students and collaborates globally to expand its mission. Having impacted 3000+ students, he's raised thousands for digital literacy, working with schools in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.

Read more about what inspires Maurya to volunteer and learn how you can nominate a changemaker for a Daily Point of Light.

High School Student Bridges the Digital Literacy Gap Worldwide - Points of Light Maurya Bonu teaches middle school students coding in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda and partners alongside his peers to provide resources to underserved communities.

Few names in the world of corporate citizenship hold the same level of impact and expertise as today's Award honoree, David Williams.

During his time serving on various boards, including Points of Light and Independent Sector, David has demonstrated strategic insight and unwavering dedication to integrity. Additionally, his work with My Brothers Keeper Metro Lansing - MBK Metro Lansing is particularly noteworthy as he played a pivotal role in designing the MBK Community Challenge.

Read more about David's significant contributions to promoting positive change in society and discover how you can nominate a changemaker for a Daily Point of Light.

One Love Global Deloitte

Points of Light Board Member’s Symphony of Leadership, Innovation and Community Impact - Points of Light Explore the remarkable journey of David Williams, a principal at Deloitte LLP, whose three-decade career spans leadership, innovation and significant social impact.

In the realm of volunteerism, it’s often the quiet dedication of individuals like today's Award honoree Evey Antle that forms the backbone of community service.

Evey’s longtime commitment to various organizations, including Lynch Elementary School, The Kind Mouse Productions, Inc. and Healthy Start, showcases the profound impact of behind-the-scenes work in supporting vital community programs.

Discover the inspiring story of Evey's 75+ monthly volunteer hours and learn how you can nominate a Daily Point of Light.

The Unsung Hero Behind the Scenes of Volunteer Work in Her Community - Points of Light Explore the dedicated volunteer journey of Evey Antle, who plays a crucial role in community service through her consistent, behind-the-scenes work.