Jeannine Murrell (left) and Pamelajean Myers, pictured here with fellow Rotarian John Schrag, have received numerous awards for their volunteer work in the community.

Jeannine Murrell and Pamelajean Myers, longtime members of the Rotary Club of Forest Grove, have recognized by the United State government and ShelterBox with the President’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of their tireless work as ambassadors for the ShelterBox program.

The award was present for their efforts in 2019 to provide emergency shelter and supplies to people who have lost their homes to natural disaster or fled because of civil conflict.

With help from Murrell and Myers’ efforts of raising awareness and funds for ShelterBox, the organization provided shelter and life-saving supplies to more than 145,000 people in 11 countries, including Paraguay after severe flooding, Malawi after Cylone Idai, Syria to support families affected by conflict, and many others.

“The lifesaving work of ShelterBox is only possible because of our inspiring volunteers like Jeannine and Pamelajean, whose service in their communities is ensuring families made homeless by disaster and conflict situations have access to essential shelter and supplies.” said Kerri Murray, President of ShelterBox USA. “This distinction truly sets them apart as someone committed to serving others and making the world a better place.”

ShelterBox provides humanitarian aid in the form of family-sized tents and essential tools to start repairing and rebuilding homes. Additionally, the organization’s kits and boxes contain items that help transform shelter into a home, like cooking sets, solar lights, blankets, water filtration, and mosquito nets. More than shelter, these items enable families to recovery following disaster, providing a way to keep communities and families together and allowing them the space to focus on the future.

ShelterBox is an official project partner of Rotary International.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a special recognition presented on behalf of The President of the United States. The award is part of a national recognition program created in 2003 through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation for individuals of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer activities.