Russell Adams - An Exemplary Volunteer

When you mention Russell Adams’ name around the site, people may know him for his role as a skilled Maintenance Coordinator, but a more likely association is for his reputation as one of Shell Deer Park’s most highly respected and deeply committed volunteers.

During his 30-year tenure here – where he has progressed through the ranks from the carpenter shop to his current position in the maintenance group - Russell has always carved an important place in his personal and work life for volunteerism. His interest in serving the local community spans an impossibly wide range of areas – education, ministry, social services, public safety, environment, and the arts. He holds a particular passion for youth advocacy, which is evidenced through his involvement with his church, the Boy Scouts, and Boys and Girls Harbor.

Russell Adams stands in front of a bike collection drive which he spearheaded last year for Workshop Houston, a youth advocacy and educational non-profit

Original SERVE board member and advisor

One of the original board members of SERVE over 15 years ago, Russell continues to be an active member in the volunteer network. As an advisor, Russell’s experience and knowledge of key stakeholders have proven valuable in ensuring that Shell Deer Park maintains a positive reputation in the community.

His generosity in helping youth is well-known, especially to the staff and residents of the Boys and Girls Harbor, where Russell has a long-standing history and investment of countless volunteer hours.

Russell has been an integral part of the leading the site’s volunteerism at this non-profit youth home for the past 10+ years, including major renovations at their baseball field, gymnasium, barn, and carriage house conversion into residential unit. Late last year, Russell also spearheaded a site used bike drive for Workshop Houston, a non-profit organization where young people learn do-it-yourself bike repair and earn their own bike for transportation.

Passing along the lessons of his father

Volunteers who have worked alongside Russell describe him as “hands on” (here’s a man who is not afraid of a little sweat!), proactive, and resourceful” (can make a project work with 5 or 50 volunteers). As he has said, “I do all of this because I enjoy it, and the drive to help and serve others was something my own father taught me, which I’ve passed down as well to my boys.”

A few of Russell’s many other contributions include:

• Armand Bayou Nature Center Volunteer – Avid nature enthusiast and volunteer for environmental projects, including repair on prairie observation platform and boardwalk at the Welcome Center

• Volunteer Fire Department Member for Shell Deer Park and City of LaPorte

• LaPorte ISD Volunteer – Serves on Planning Committee and parent chaperone for Project Graduation. He serves on the production staff of the high school drama department where he organizes, designs and leads youth in stage set construction for the annual musical productions

• United Methodist A.R.M.Y. – Leads one-week youth mission trips with his church in underserved areas throughout Texas to renovate homes.

• Boys Scouts of America, Pack 1773 & Troop 514 – 20-year member where all 3 of his boys attained the rank of Eagle Scout.