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Gulf Shores Gives Back

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Participating in community service cultivates a sense of responsibility, belonging, and pride, which ultimately contributes to the overall health of our city.
-BOE Member Dale Jernigan

What is it?

Gulf Shores Gives Back is a powerful, community-wide day of service dedicated to strengthening the heart of our beautiful city. This annual event brings together students, educators, families, and community members in a shared mission of compassion, action, and impact.

Led by the Gulf Shores City Schools' Mental Health Advisory Committee, this initiative reflects our belief in the importance of service, connection, and community pride.

With strong partnerships — including the City of Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park, and the Gulf Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability — our projects are designed to meet real needs and make a visible difference.

Examples of service projects include:
– Planting sea oats to preserve our beaches
– Creating cards and delivering flowers to local nursing home residents
– Cleaning and revitalizing community parks
– Preparing and distributing meals to families in need

When is it? Where is it?

Get Ready for a Wave of Service! 
Gulf Shores City Schools proudly announces "Gulf Shores Gives Back 2026"
Thursday, February 26, 2026 (Rain Date: February 27, 2026)

The day will begin with a high-energy kick-off pep rally at the middle school field at 8:30 AM.
All parent and community volunteers are warmly invited to attend and help set the tone for an inspiring day of service.

Following the pep rally, volunteers will disperse across the city to participate in a variety of service projects that support and uplift our community.

What types of service projects will be completed?

Painting/Murals, Planting , Washing/Detailing Vehicles, Weeding, Cleaning, Construction, Sifting Sand, Mulching, Creating Cards, Creating Posters/Murals, Creating Snack Baskets, Beach Cleaning/Planting, Sorting Recyclable Items, Can Drives, Book Drives, Growing Seedlings, Collecting Water Samples, Partnering with Meals On Wheels, Creating Pollinator Beds, Cleaning Gutters, Distributing Pine Straw, Designing and Hand-out Information/Brochures, Plant Sea Oats, Write and Publish Children's Books, Using Recycled Glass Mosaic Tiles to Create Artwork, Create Thank You Cards, Participating in State Park Trails Litter Rodeo, Landscaping, Pressure Washing, Creating Get Well Cards, Window Washing for Businesses, Baking, Preparing Meals, Food Drive, CPR Training, Pen Pals with Nursing Homes, Window Washing for Businesses, Replacing Boards on Boardwalks, Painting Fences, Picking up Pinecones, Using recycled glass and materials to create artwork and sculptures, Book Drive, Tech Lab for Seniors, Carry Groceries to vehicles and put in car

How can I get involved?

This exciting event, spearheaded by the Gulf Shores City Schools' Mental Health Advisory Committee, brings together students from pre-K through 12th grade in a united effort to give back to our community.

Throughout the day, students and staff will take part in a wide range of meaningful service projects across the city — from beach cleanups and park revitalization to delivering meals to those in need and spreading cheer at local nursing homes.

Students and staff have already signed up for service opportunities, but we’re always open to more great ideas!
Students with additional project suggestions are encouraged to see their school counselor.

Students/staff Gulf Shores Gives Back Day Projects

Gulf Shores Gives Back — And So Can You!

This day of service isn’t just for students — it’s for everyone!
Gulf Shores City Schools is proud to invite the entire community to join the Gulf Shores Gives Back spirit.

We encourage individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to designate
February 27, 2025 (Rain Date: February 28, 2025) as your own day of service.

Whether you're organizing a team project, helping a neighbor, or giving back in your own unique way — your involvement matters. Together, we can create a wave of kindness and impact that reaches across our city.

Let’s show what Gulf Shores can do when we come together for good!

Here's how you can be a part of the Wave!

Can’t join us in person? You can still be a part of Gulf Shores Gives Back!

Complete a volunteer activity in your neighborhood, community, or with your family — every act of service matters! Before the event, let us know about the project you plan to complete so we can celebrate your efforts on our website.

How Can I Give Back
(Click the button to share your project plans)

We’d love to see your impact!
Take pictures of your team and your work, and either:
– Upload them to Google Photos
– Or email them to: info@gsboe.org

And don’t forget to share your service on social media using #GSGB25 so we can spread the positivity even further!

Together, we’re making a difference — one good deed at a time.

Help Bring a Student Service Project to Life!

Show your support for Gulf Shores Gives Back by sponsoring a student-led service project. Your contribution helps turn meaningful ideas into reality and makes a real difference in our community.

Click the button below to donate and help us purchase much-needed supplies for various service projects:

 Sponsor a Gulf Shores City Schools service project 

Donations can also be made:
By phone: 251-968-9873
Or in person: Drop off a check at the Gulf Shores City Schools Central Office

Your support helps us provide items like:
– Gloves for students picking up trash
– Snacks for gift baskets for first responders
– Ingredients and supplies for preparing meals for those in need
… and so much more!

Thank you for helping us build a stronger, kinder community — together.

Join us for a community-wide day of service as we come together to make a lasting impact across Gulf Shores! We’ve gathered a variety of service projects that local community members can participate in — there’s something for everyone.

Click the button below to view available projects and sign up to volunteer:

Community Project Volunteer Sign Up Form 
Thank you for being such an involved and valued member of our community.
Together, we can make a difference — one project at a time!

How Is Our Community Giving Back?

A heartfelt thank you to all the community members who have stepped up for GS Gives Back Day!

We deeply appreciate those who have:
– Reached out with their own service project ideas
– Volunteered their time
– Sponsored a project through monetary donations or supplies

Your generosity and support help make this day of service a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community.

Who can I contact if I have questions about Gulf Shores Gives Back?

Dr. Stephanie Harrison (Chair of Event)
Assistant Superintendent
sharrison@gsboe.org

Committee Members

Central Office

Dr. Stephanie Harrison (Chair of Event)
sharrison@gsboe.org

Dr. Matt Akin   
Joe McAleer                                  
Jan Garfinkle
Marcelinia Speller
Randall Carlisle
Laura Goulden
Beau Roode

Board of Education

Dale Jernigan 
Kelly Walker

Elementary School


Amanda Dalton
Dr. Alicia Early 
Liliana Sumerlin (Student Rep)

Middle School

Wendy Holmes
Jamie Hill
Whitney Boggus
Katelyn Hamilton (Student Rep)

High School

Leah Cooper
Kelly Eubanks
Jessica Sampley
 Dr. TIm Webb 
Melisa Everett
Portia Hollis (Student Rep)

Virtual Academy

Sara Altmyer 

City of Gulf Shores

Amy Denk 
Noah Hand
Lindsey Hart 
Samantha Thomas
Jeff Hopkins
Grant Brown

Gulf State Park

Kelly Reetz
Hannah Russell

Center For Ecotourism

Travis Langen

Churches

Amelia Fletcher 
Larry Wood 

Is Your School Interested In A "Gives Back Day"?