Gulf Shores Gives Back
A community-wide day of service!
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
We dedicate GS Gives Back 2026 to Reverend Chrisy Ennen
This year, GSGB 2026 is dedicated to the memory of Chrisy Ennen. Many of you are probably aware that Reverend Ennen of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores passed away suddenly during the holidays. Chrisy was a friend of our schools and supported our students by serving as a Kids Hope mentor.
When she heard that the state park had to limit parking for parents who pick up their children there after school, she reached out and offered the use of the church’s parking lot. This thoughtful gesture allows many of our students to walk from school to the church to be picked up by their parents, which promotes our school system goals of exercise, spending time outdoors, and building community. Reverend Ennen didn’t just allow our parents to use the parking lot; she planned special events for the students like passing out popsicles after school. At the end of October, Chrisy and her dog along with other church members dressed in costumes and gave out goodie bags to our students. Chrisy lived a life of service and willingly gave back to our community; she was an example of the type of character we are teaching through Gulf Shores Gives Back.
February 26, 2026
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.
Who can I contact if I have questions about Gulf Shores Gives Back?
Dr. Stephanie Harrison (Chair of Event)
Assistant Superintendent
sharrison@gsboe.org
Here are a few types of service projects that will be completed!
Casserole Creation, Blessing Boxes, Cleaning Space Utilized by Displaced Families, The Lighthouse- Yard Work & Brochures, Food Drives, Thank You cards, Wash trucks, vehicles, and buses, Paintings, Landscaping, Blood Drive, General Organization/Clean Up, Bake Sale, Creating Bookmarks, Activity Packs/Duffle Bags for Children, Volleyball Clinic, Bodenhamer Rec Center Clean Up, Crafts, Pinecone/Trash Pick-up, Recycling bottle cap flower project, Recognition of community members, Wash equipment at various parks, Mulch, Beach/Beach Area Clean Up, Blood Pressure Checks, Washing vinyl pads, Site Cleanup, Planting Projects, Invasive Plant Removal, Enhance the edge of Gopher Tortoise Trail, Pressure wash pier/Pier Spring Cleaning, Hand wash the amphitheater seats, Build Bluebird Houses, Sensory Trail Amphitheater, Deliver baked goods, Theater clean up, Holiday cards, Kindness rocks, Pine straw, Community garden and path, Choral Performance at retirement community, Nail Painting, Fidget Patches, Pollinator gardens, Donations for exercise, Sew Powerful, Turtle Conservation, Wooden Library on walking path, Hope Bag Project, Snack Baskets, Veterans Home, Family Promise, BonSecour Nature Preserve Beach Cleanup, Foster Closet, South Baldwin Hospital
Public Information of Name of Projects and Who is Volunteering for the Project
One project is being led by our elementary school student representative, Liliana Sumerlin. If you are interested in participating and/or donating, please refer to the flyer below for more information.
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 26, 2026 (Rain Date: February 27, 2026) 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!
1. Complete your own service project:
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 #GSGB26 so we can spread the positivity even further!
Together, we’re making a difference — one good deed at a time.
2. Sponsor a school project:
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.
3. Volunteer for a community project:
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.
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