Daily Point of Light Award

The Daily Point of Light Award celebrates the power of the individual to spark change and improve the world. Whether it’s a mom leading a homegrown disaster relief drive or an athlete wielding their celebrity for good instead of goods – a Daily Point of Light embraces the challenge of tackling a community need through volunteer service. Learn more at www.pointsoflight.org/dailypointoflight. 

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Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Volunteer Helps Build Community, One Cup of Coffee at a Time
As the first volunteer for Refuge Coffee in Clarkston, Georgia – an area that hosts the most diverse square mile in the country and is home to over 60 native-spoken languages – Karen Guess brings together people from all walks of life over the universal language of coffee and tea. She moved to the area at the same time as Refuge Coffee founder Kitti Murray, who had a dream of creating just such a communal place.

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Puerto Rico Native Organizes Hurricane Relief Effort for Residents of His Former Island Home
Raised by parents who were heavily involved in the nonprofit sector, Rafael Babilonia learned early on the power of volunteerism and civic engagement. So it is no surprise that, as Hurricanes Irma and Maria threatened the Caribbean, the Puerto Rico native wasted no time in stepping up to help. He knew the devastation to the island he once called home would be substantial, so he began large-scale relief efforts before the storms had even passed.

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Volunteer Travels to Disaster-Affected Areas to Rescue Animals, Reunite Them With Their Owners

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Loukoumi the Lamb Inspires a Good Deeds Movement, Encouraging Children to Make a Difference
Some 15 years ago, Nick Katsoris was inspired to write a series of children’s books featuring Loukoumi, a cuddly lamb named after the sweet Greek candy. And in 2009, he released “Loukoumi’s Good Deeds,” which encourages children to make a difference by pledging to do good in their communities. The book blossomed into a movement, with the launch of the Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation, which engages thousands of children each year to make a difference in the lives of others.

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During Hurricane Harvey, He Helped Shelter Residents Survive the Night Until Help Arrived
Zachary Dearing was living with his father on a houseboat in Rockport, Texas, when Hurricane Harvey hit. After his father evacuated to Houston, Zachary sought cover at the Live Oaks Learning Center. Upon his arrival at the city-designated shelter, he found that there was no one in charge to help evacuees or even to distribute supplies. With a team of volunteers, he helped more than 200 shelter occupants make it through the night, and worked with local law enforcement agencies to organize evacuation to Austin.

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After Hurricane Harvey, Houston Wedding Planner Coordinates Recovery Effort Powered by Volunteers
As Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico face the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, Points of Light is honoring everyday citizens who stepped up to serve their communities during the immediate response and to embark on the long road to recovery.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Veteran Leads Platoon of Volunteers in Hurricane Irma Prep and Recovery Work
After leaving the U.S. Army in 2015, Derek struggled to find purpose outside of the military – but he found his place when he heard about The Mission Continues, a nonprofit that empowers veterans by engaging them in service to the community. Through the organization’s fellowship program, Derek volunteered for six months at Up2Us Sports, where Derek recruited and mentored veteran coaches to give underprivileged youth the opportunity to develop positive relationships with adults. At the conclusion of his fellowship, he was hired full-time by Up2Us.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

South Florida Resident Uses Tech Skills to Support Harvey, Irma Relief Efforts
After Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, Leah Halbina reached out to friends in the Houston area to see how she could help. When she found out about Sketch City, an open, nonprofit community of technology advocates and civic hackers that used technology to organize rescue efforts, help victims locate their nearest shelter and satisfy other pressing needs, she jumped in to help. Shortly after, Leah had to use the same technology in her home state of Florida as Hurricane Irma approached and made landfall.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Actress Advocates for Diabetes Awareness, Health Care and Research
At age 12, she was the voice of Nala in Disney’s “The Lion King” movie. Since then, she has appeared in TV shows, off-Broadway plays and commercials. But Niketa Calame-Harris found that developing a chronic illness – in her case, Type 1 diabetes – came without a script.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Ismaili Muslim Leader Gathers 2,500 Volunteers for Hurricane Harvey Response
As devastating as Hurricane Harvey has been, it continues to bring people together around one common goal: help Houston. When Murad Ajani saw the toll Harvey took on his hometown, he seized the moment to bring together a community of more than 2,500 volunteers to help with recovery efforts.
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