As a way to recognize their valuable service to Mesa, the city has created a Volunteer Walk of Fame in downtown Mesa.

Temporary yellow stars have been placed along a route through downtown Mesa every 6 feet. The stars represent the number of volunteers who have provided service hours to the city, according to a release.

The stars include 12 with vinyl QR codes that can be scanned to provide information on National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, and on volunteering within the city.

“The Volunteer Walk of Fame is an innovative way to thank our incredible volunteers who give their time and energy to Mesa. It shows the impact of their service and I hope it encourages others to volunteer,” Mayor John Giles said in the release. “Our volunteers are incredible partners in service to the community. And during the past year, many have been able to serve while staying safely at home.”

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, The city of Mesa had 9,816 volunteers who donated their time in 2020 in a variety of roles for numerous departments. Examples include:

• Thousands of volunteers served in the various pandemic response programs;
• More than 150 volunteers assisted with the Adopt-A-Grandparent program;
• Dozens of volunteers have helped update exhibits in city museums;
• Library volunteers continued curb-side book pick-up;
• Hundreds of community members created approximately 3500 valentines for our Valentines For Homebound Seniors program.

While the pandemic continues, there are still many ways to safely volunteer and make a difference in Mesa. The city has an online system to search for volunteer opportunities based on area of interest, length of time commitment and more. Access it at https://www.mesaaz.gov/things-to-do/volunteer.