Lakewood staff reports volunteers contributed thousands of hours; council receives annual report

Valerie Frost, director of Recreation & Community Services, presented the department’s annual volunteer report, detailing volunteer contributions across Lakewood programs in 2025 and planned recognition events for spring.

Frost said 339 volunteers worked as coaches in Lakewood Youth Sports in 2025, contributing 7,268 hours of coaching across baseball, softball, flag football, volleyball and basketball. She reported 50 volunteers from Meals on Wheels of Long Beach provided 5,425 hours delivering meals to homebound Lakewood residents, and Lakewood teens contributed 1,721 hours of service at parks and community centers. Project Shepherd volunteers worked in December at the Lakewood Youth Center and Burns Community Center, packing and distributing food and gifts and providing 4,94 (transcript figure) service hours that helped 437 families receive holiday assistance.

Frost outlined volunteer recognition events scheduled for April, including a coaches recognition night and an older adult volunteer luncheon, and encouraged the council to publicize volunteer opportunities during National Volunteer Month. Council members thanked volunteers, highlighted local volunteer traditions and discussed better sharing of volunteer statistics and 'how to volunteer' guidance for residents. Mayor Chase stated the item would be received and filed unless there was objection; no objection was recorded and the item was entered as receive-and-file.

The presentation did not include a request for new funding or a formal policy change; staff highlighted ongoing programs and planned recognition events.