LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS CELEBRATES LAX VOLUNTEERS

More than 100 volunteers, including Volunteer Information Professionals, LAX Pets Unstressing Passengers and LAXceeders, attended the annual recognition dinner.

Los Angeles - Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) celebrated more than 100 volunteers who assist guests at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at its annual recognition dinner. The event recognized volunteers for the important role they serve in helping guests navigate one of the world's busiest airports.

Volunteers are integral to providing friendly and helpful services to guests at LAX, and are members of one of three groups: Volunteer Information Professionals (VIPs), the LAXceeders Student Volunteer Program, and the Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUPs) program.

"The annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner is not just a celebration of the passion and dedication of our volunteers, but also an opportunity to honor the spirit of service that enhances the travel experience for everyone at LAX," said Heidi Huebner, Director of LAX Volunteer Programs, Los Angeles World Airports. "LAWA is incredibly grateful for the time, effort and commitment of our program participants. Together, we are making a meaningful impact and leaving a lasting impression on everyone who travels through our airport."

In 2023, VIPs and LAXceeders assisted more than 368,000 guests and volunteered nearly 10,000 hours. The LAX PUPs program grew to 79 dogs, contributing more than 2,800 volunteer service hours.

The recognition dinner allowed volunteers and guests to enjoy and evening of fun and camaraderie that included free gifts, a raffle and a speaking program featuring Board of Airport Commissioner Valeria Velasco, LAWA staff, and actor/director and author Luke Yankee. A service pin presentation also honored volunteers who reached service milestones. VIP Jean Clark was recognized for 411 volunteer hours in 2023, and Casey Vanvleit was recognized for 20 years of service. LAX PUPs therapy dog handler Tiffany Butcher and her dog Sergio were also recognized for their service of more than 270 hours.

"LAWA is so fortunate to have hundreds of volunteers who dedicate so much of their time creating a welcoming airport environment at LAX that embodies the spirit of Los Angeles," said Valeria Velasco, Board of Airport Commissioner. "We are happy to recognize their service and celebrate their invaluable contributions to our airport community every day."

VIPs are LAX's front line volunteers, providing guests with general airport information and directions to transportation services, and even make sightseeing recommendations for some first-time visitors to Los Angeles. VIPs are available on the Lower/Arrivals level of each terminal from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

LAXceeders are student volunteers who assist guests and serve alongside VIPs. The program was launched in 2018, and allows students between the ages 16-24 to gain valuable customer service experience. LAWA offers students the flexibility to set their own schedules.

LAX's PUPs program is one of the first of its kind in the nation, allowing airport guests to enjoy time with therapy dogs before their flights to help relieve travel stress and flying anxiety. PUPs participating in the program must have at least one year of experience as a certified therapy dog before joining the program. PUPs help spread "pawsitivity" throughout LAX and all over the greater Los Angeles region at schools, public events and more.

More information about LAX's volunteer programs can be found at www.lawa.org/volunteer-opportunities.