2024 Volunteer in Action
Community Volunteer
Ashley Haines
In the serene landscape of the Mt. Baldy Joint Elementary School District, Ashley Haines shines as a beacon of inspiration, commitment and wonder. Serving as the President of the Mt. Baldy Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Ashley's influence extends far beyond administrative duties.
Driven by her passion for enriching educational experiences, Ashley embarked on a mission to connect students with their incredibly rich environment, nature. The Creek Freaks Program, a brainchild of Ashley's, offers hands-on learning opportunities centered around environmental care and conservation. Through meticulous planning and advocacy, Ashley ensures every student in the district has access to immersive activities focused on water quality, data collection, and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
What sets Ashley apart is her unwavering commitment to encouraging and sustaining positive change. Despite not having a background in environmental sciences, she has dedicated herself to studying, learning, planning and nurturing the Creek Freaks Program. Her efforts have transformed the program into a cornerstone of the school's curriculum, inspiring students and educators alike. Her commitment to providing innovative opportunities for Mt. Baldy students is backed by engagement and funding from local stakeholders.
To the students, Ashley is more than a PTA President; she is a mentor and a role model. Her infectious enthusiasm and unshakable optimism have instilled in them qualities of curiosity, resilience and empathy, shaping them into future agents of change.
Ashley’s contributions to the Mt. Baldy School and community serve as an enduring reminder of the impact one individual can make in shaping a better world.
Service Group
Pure Land Foundation
Born from a shared vision to combat food insecurity and uplift communities, Pure Land Foundation has worked to unite the surrounding community through hope, compassion and a shared meal.
Back in 2018 a group of nine individuals, brought together by a common desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with hunger, began their journey with a series of enlightening conversations with the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD). These dedicated educators shed light on the harsh realities faced by students and families grappling with food insecurity, igniting a spark of inspiration in the hearts of the Pure Land Foundation's founding members.
Driven by empathy and a sense of duty, the nonprofit organization embarked on a mission to establish the Mobile Food Pantry Program. Their inaugural event, held at Lincoln Elementary School in December 2018, marked the dawn of a new era in community service. With the support of SBCUSD, Pure Land Foundation set out to deliver more than just food - they sought to nourish hearts and minds, to instill hope in the face of adversity.
Through the years, the Mobile Food Pantry Program has blossomed into a lifeline for thousands of families across San Bernardino. With each distribution event, Pure Land Foundation's impact reverberates throughout the community, touching the lives of students, parents and volunteers alike. What began as a humble endeavor has since evolved into a symbol of resilience and unity, a testament to the transformative power of compassion in action.
By providing fresh produce alongside pantry staples, Pure Land Foundation not only fills stomachs but also nourishes the spirit.
Jenny Owen
Director, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations
For additional information, please call 909.386.2413.
601 North E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0020