Meet Gilbert’s 2026 Volunteer MVP Winners

Gilbert, Ariz. - Gilbert proudly recognized the outstanding contributions of community members during the fourth annual Volunteer MVP Awards, held at the April 7 Town Council meeting.

The awards celebrate volunteers who exemplify Gilbert's core values of Driven, Kind, Bold, and Humble. In addition to individual honors, special recognition was given to the Youth Volunteer of the Year and the recipients of the Gilbert Kindness Group Award.

Mayor Scott Anderson and the Gilbert Town Council recognized the finalists and winners for their remarkable impact and dedication to making Gilbert a better place.Congratulations to the 2026 Gilbert Volunteer MVP Award winners:

• Sherri Daedelow | Bold

  For 12 years, Sherri Daedelow has dedicated three to four days each week to serving at AZCEND's Gilbert Senior Center. She prepares home-delivered meals, trains new volunteers and helps keep the kitchen running smoothly, often anticipating needs before they arise.

  When a group of 25 to 30 guests from local group homes began visiting each month, Sherri took the initiative to create a plan that allowed them to be served separately ahead of the regular crowd. Her approach ensured each guest received attentive, dignified service while maintaining the flow of daily operations.

  Sherri's initiative, reliability and leadership have made her an essential part of the team for more than a decade. She leads by example and consistently steps forward to meet the moment.
  

• Ashley Maddox | Driven

  Since 2022, Ashley Maddox has volunteered at Banner Gateway Medical Center while balancing high school, college and full-time studies at ASU.

  In the Pre- and Post-Operative Care Unit, Ashley supports patients as they wake from surgery, often frightened and disoriented. Whether offering a warm blanket, a steady hand or a reassuring word, she brings comfort during vulnerable moments. She also volunteers in the emergency department, where she continues to go above and beyond to support patients and staff.

  Inspired by the care a family member once received, Ashley's commitment is deeply personal. Her dedication reflects a strong sense of purpose and compassion in everything she does.
  

• Jordan Woodworth | Kind

  Jordan Woodworth is known for showing up with consistency and care, often before being asked. His commitment to the Gilbert community is reflected not in a single moment, but in a pattern of everyday actions rooted in kindness.

  When his child's school at Lauren's Institute for Education envisioned an inclusive playground, Jordan helped turn that vision into reality. He brought the community together, secured donations, organized volunteers and sourced materials that saved the school more than $30,000. His efforts ensured that all children would have a place to play and belong.

  While supporting a child with a developmental disability, Jordan continues to give his time and energy to others. His kindness is steady, intentional and far-reaching.
  

• Brandon Letner | Humble

  Brandon Letner does not seek recognition for his service. He volunteers because there is a need and he has the ability to help.

  Since 2018, Brandon has used his CDL skills to support Midwest Food Bank Arizona, transporting donated food and disaster relief supplies across the state and beyond. In 2024, following a devastating hurricane in North Carolina, he traveled to Illinois and drove more than 1,400 miles to deliver hay to farmers in need.

  In addition to his work with the food bank, Brandon serves as an advisory board member, Scout troop leader and church elder. His contributions are steady and selfless, reflecting a deep commitment to serving others without expectation of recognition.
  

• Shyla Abreu | Youth Volunteer of the Year

  
  When Shyla Abreu saw a need at her middle school for a Debate Club, she took action. Over the course of a semester, she worked with teachers and administrators to plan, advocate for and launch the club.

  Since its creation, the club has already helped dozens of students build confidence and strengthen their public speaking skills. Shyla's leadership has created new opportunities for her peers to find their voice.

  She leads with positivity, creativity and a focus on inclusion, always considering how her efforts will benefit others in the future.
  

• American Legion Merrell Mitchell Post 39 | Gilbert Kindness Group Award

  Over the past year, the members of American Legion Merrell Mitchell Post 39 have made a meaningful impact across the Gilbert community. Their efforts include distributing heat relief supplies, raising funds for Alzheimer's research, engaging with residents at the Gilbert Farmers Market and recognizing 12 JROTC cadets from three local high schools.

  Their impact is especially evident through the Christmas for Kids program, where members came together to provide personalized gifts for 124 children from underserved and veteran families.

  Through their collective service, Post 39 continues to strengthen the community and support those who need it most.

Volunteer Impact by the Numbers

In recognition of National Volunteer Month, Gilbert also celebrated the collective impact of its volunteer community. This year, 426 volunteers contributed 21,672 hours of service, an average of nearly 51 hours per volunteer. That level of dedication is equivalent to the work of 10 full-time employees.

The Town also recognized milestone Years of Service recipients, including 12 volunteers celebrating five years, three reaching 10 years, three marking 15 years and one volunteer achieving an extraordinary 30 years of service.

Together, these contributions reflect the commitment, generosity and spirit that continue to shape the Gilbert community.

Interested in getting involved? Learn about volunteer opportunities in Gilbert.