News Summary
The Pacific Coast Chapter of the National Charity League in Huntington Beach recognized 37 members for their outstanding community service despite recent funding cuts. Rep. Dave Min honored them with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition, an alternative to the suspended President’s Volunteer Service Award. The chapter collectively donated over 10,200 volunteer hours, demonstrating their commitment to local nonprofits. Members engaged in various initiatives, including a book donation effort for local schools, highlighting the vital role of youth in community engagement.
Huntington Beach, California
The Pacific Coast Chapter of the National Charity League (NCL) in Huntington Beach recently recognized the dedication of its members to community service, despite funding cuts to the President’s Volunteer Service Award program. The program, traditionally supported by AmeriCorps, was paused in May following budget reductions by the Trump administration, leading to disappointment among members who looked forward to receiving this prestigious award for their volunteer efforts.
On September 12, Rep. Dave Min (D-Irvine) honored 37 members from the NCL Pacific Coast Chapter with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition during a ceremony at Teacher Created Materials in Huntington Beach. This recognition was an alternative to the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which around 60 chapter members were set to receive prior to the program’s suspension.
During the last school year, members of the Pacific Coast Chapter contributed an impressive total of 10,200 volunteer hours to various local nonprofits, showcasing their commitment to service within the community. Rep. Min commended the young women for their dedication and encouraged them to continue their volunteering efforts in the future.
Highlights of Volunteer Contributions
Among those recognized was Julia Finete, a senior at Mater Dei High School, who was acknowledged as the chapter’s top volunteer. Finete completed over 300 hours of service, predominantly at WisePlace, an organization dedicated to assisting homeless women. Finete expressed that while the cancellation of the President’s Volunteer Service Award was disappointing, the personal acknowledgment from Rep. Min was a meaningful recognition of her efforts.
Another chapter member, Zovik Hovakimian, an eighth-grader at Marine View Middle School, also expressed gratitude for the personal recognition during the event. Many members had college commitments and were unable to attend the ceremony, highlighting the busy schedules and diverse responsibilities of today’s youth.
Community Engagement Initiatives
Before the recognition event with Rep. Min, the young volunteers participated in assembling a special book donation for teachers at Oak View Elementary, an effort that underscores the importance of community engagement among youth in Huntington Beach. This initiative was part of a broader commitment to supporting educational programs and local schools.
Context of Volunteer Service
The NCL is an organization that emphasizes the importance of community service and creates opportunities for teen girls to volunteer in various capacities across the community. The program’s suspension due to funding cuts has highlighted the challenges faced by volunteer organizations and the importance of recognizing the contributions of young volunteers, even as traditional awards such as the President’s Volunteer Service Award are affected.
The event emphasized both the value of volunteerism and the significance of publicly acknowledging the hard work and dedication of young individuals contributing to their communities. As organizations and programs adapt to changing circumstances, the spirit of service continues to thrive within groups like the NCL in Huntington Beach.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
John Wayne Airport Tops Passenger Satisfaction Rankings Again
Newport Beach Hosts Free Compost Giveaway and E-Waste Disposal Event
Tom Kermabon Appointed General Manager of South Coast Winery
Helena Community Remembers Kathleen ‘Kat’ Schroeder and JoAnn Anderson
Beloved State Farm Veteran Michael Wong Passes Away
Cerritos Revives Economic Development Commission for Growth
Families Forward Leaders Enhance Early Childhood Education
Trader Joe’s Expands at Village at Orange Shopping Center
Laguna Niguel Sets New Record with $16.25 Million Mansion Sale
Gardena’s Mental Health Crisis in Asian American Community
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: National Charity League Recognition
- Orange County Register: California Coastal Cleanup Day
- ABC7: Orange Co. Cares for Wetlands and Wildlife
- Los Angeles Times: Large-Scale Community Service Project
- Orange County Register: Coastal Cleanup Day Fun
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
