Volunteer, Veterans Advocate Recognized with AARP’s Highest Volunteer Honor

AARP Hawai‘i  recognized AARP volunteer leader and veterans advocate Vicki Franco with the Andrus Award for Community Service -- the organization’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service. 

As the Honolulu volunteer team leader, Franco partnered with staff and other volunteers to develop AARP Hawai`i’s volunteer-led orientation and onboarding system, increase multi-cultural engagement and veterans engagement, and organize fun with purpose activities and AARP member appreciation events.

“For those whom she leads, she is a model of the benefits of a fun-filled, purpose driven life. Because of her, other volunteers are able to use their skills and talents to enhance the community,” said Gary Simon, the AARP Hawai`i Volunteer State President.

Helping veterans is a particular passion for Franco, who helped organize the 2021 Hawai`i Virtual Veterans Summit to connect veterans with information and resources. She also worked with other volunteers to put together kits with COVID-19 supplies for homeless veterans and her team wrote personal Veterans Day thank you cards to send to residents at Tripler Community Living Center.

The award was presented to Franco at a virtual ceremony at AARP’s annual volunteer recognition lunch in December.

“The winners of the Andrus Award set an example for all of us,” said Keali‘i Lopez, the AARP AARP Hawai‘i state director. “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.”

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.