April 21-27 marks National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize volunteers and their positive impact in our community and our world. Portland International Airport is home to four volunteer programs: Volunteer Information Program (VIP), PDX Music Program, USO Northwest and the PDX Animal Therapy Program. We’re sharing our sincere appreciation for volunteer contributions to our airport and beyond.
USO Volunteers Chip and Sesty
PDX volunteers at the program's 30th anniversary celebration
PDX volunteer Linda assisting a passengerVolunteer Information Program
When the Volunteer Information Program (VIP) launched in 1993, it had just 13 members. Today, there are 129 volunteers who contributed a total of 16,113 hours in the past year. The VIPs are champions of PDX – they love this place and it shows. In a recent poll of the team, their number one reason for volunteering is helping people. But they're more than just a resource for travelers from all over the world, they're a big part of how PDX creates a welcoming environment. You can find these friendly folks in blue greeting you with a smile as you come down the escalator, answering questions in the information booths and welcoming international travelers.
USO Northwest Center
The USO Northwest Center opened at PDX on June 1, 2014. Located at the south end of baggage claim, the USO provides a warm and comforting place where service members can connect to loved ones via internet or phone, play a video game, catch a movie, have a snack or just put their feet up and relax. With the help of over 100 volunteers, the PDX USO serves more than 1,400 service members and their families each month through center and outreach programs and services. When visiting service members and their families stop by, volunteers help out with flight information, travel assistance, snacks and sharing local military discounts.
Brenna Larsen playing at the PDX Women's History Month celebration
Elizabeth Wisler
Doug Shafer playing on Concourse CPDX Music Program
The PDX music program was founded in 2002 in the wake of 9/11, with a goal of using music to create a calming atmosphere for passengers. Today, the program provides an opportunity for talented musicians who wish to volunteer their time and share their talents with thousands of people. Over the past year, we had three new musicians join the program; Ellie Byrd, Kyle Lewis and Ron Stephens. From playing throughout the terminal to supporting cultural celebrations at PDX, the volunteer musicians strike a chord with the airport community.
The therapy dogs at the PDX People Pride parade
Two therapy dogs with a passenger at PDX
Prince the therapy llama bringing joy to travelersPDX Animal Therapy Program
Travel can be stressful – that’s where the PDX animal therapy program steps in to fetch a little peace and comfort for visitors at the airport. This year, we introduced a new group of four-legged friends to the program: the Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas. Since they came on board in February, their teams donated nearly 44 hours.
Overseen by our partners at DoveLewis, there are more than 32 highly trained canine therapy teams that visit PDX. The dogs roam the terminal, accompanied by their handlers, with tails wagging and on the lookout for pets and cuddles. Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams Program Director Kathy Loter knows how impactful therapy dogs are, "We feel the love from all by seeing the smiles and the laughter when our dogs are in costume or in their program vests. We feel part of the PDX family!"
Join us in thanking our volunteers this week – and every day – as we celebrate the guidance and kindness of the PDX VIPs, the respite of the USO center, the relaxing melodies offered by our volunteer musicians and the stress-reducing talents of the therapy animal teams.