The Power of Rural Service: Leslie, Where Service Feels Personal
Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains resides the rich town of Leslie, Arkansas, also known as the
“Whittling Capital of America”, where a spirit of service resides in all neighbors. The small-town, interpersonal atmosphere is exactly what Leslie Mayor Eric Jaeger believes sets the community apart. “While we may be small in population, we are rich in community spirit. Leslie is the kind of place where neighbors know one another, where you are greeted by name, and where people genuinely care about the future of their town.”
Leslie has continued to establish a reputation for its strong culture of volunteerism and community service. In 2024, the town was recognized as a Volunteer Community of the Year recipient in the Most Innovative Town category for its use of volunteerism initiatives to address local challenges and strengthen community pride and resilience. Veterans organizations, civic groups, and residents contributed thousands of service hours to community improvement, outreach, and preservation efforts. In total, approximately 182 volunteers donated an estimated 7,000 hours, helping maintain Leslie’s historic character, attract visitors, and strengthen their
community’s spirit.
What is the Volunteer Community Year Award?
Established in 1982, the Volunteer Community of the Year Award has recognized cities, towns, and municipalities across Arkansas for their impactful work for more than four decades.
Co-sponsored by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on National Service and Volunteerism (Engage Arkansas) and the Arkansas Municipal League, the awards recognize Arkansas municipalities that strengthen their communities through volunteerism and civic engagement initiatives. Mayors and their communities are honored for addressing local needs through projects and engagement that encourage residents to become active participants in improving the places they call home.
Municipalities are recognized in three major categories (Best City, Best Mid-Sized Town, Best Small Town) and four subcategories (Most Innovative Community, Most Sustainable Community, Most Resilient Community, and Most Youth Engagement). In addition to statewide recognition, each winning municipality receives road signs posted at the city’s borders and a funding investment of $1,250 to $5,000 to support its community’s commitment to service.
The Work Behind the Award Winner
When asked what volunteerism looks like in Leslie, Mayor Jaeger didn’t just name a singular project. Instead, he described countless ways that the town has shown up in: “Over the past year, volunteers helped improve our Leslie Fun Park, Jeepin’ it Classy fundraiser, our Whittlin’ & Fiddlin’ Festival, raised funds for community projects, and came together to create a new landmark for our town. They planted flowers, supported local initiatives, and stepped forward time and again without expecting anything in return.”
One project that continues to grow each year is Leslie’s annual Jeepin’ it Classy fundraiser. As Mayor Jaeger notes, “What began as a simple community event, Jeepin’ it Classy, has grown into an annual tradition that brings people together from across the region to support neighbors in need and invest back into Leslie.”
Now in its third year, the event has become more than just a day of fun for the community. This year’s event collected approximately 572 pounds of food for the Leslie Food Pantry and raised $1,776 to help local families. The event continues to demonstrate how a single community-led effort can provide meaningful support while giving residents and visitors another reason to gather in Leslie each year.
The Power of Small Communities
While it can be easy to believe that rural communities have fewer opportunities to make an impact, Leslie tells a different story. Even smaller communities can remain mighty by creating lasting change through collaboration, civic engagement, and a shared vision of supporting neighbors and building a stronger community.
As Mayor Jaeger remarks, “Our size is actually one of our greatest strengths. We are nimble, resilient, and collaborative. If someone needs help, the community responds. There is a strong sense of ownership in small towns because every improvement is personal.”
Leslie’s story is a prime example of municipalities putting public service at the center of community life. As a town heavily reliant on tourism, Leslie has harnessed the power of community collaboration, volunteerism, and civic engagement to attract visitors, support local businesses and initiatives, and create a vibrant atmosphere where residents and newcomers alike can thrive.
Bring Your Community’s Impact to Light
If your community is making a difference through volunteerism, now is the time to share your story! Applications for this year’s Volunteer Community of the Year Award are accepted from August 21, 2026, to October 23, 2026, giving municipalities across Arkansas the opportunity to showcase the people and projects making a difference close to home. Whether your community is just getting started or has a long tradition of service, this is a chance to gain statewide recognition while bringing additional resources back home.
For communities looking to get more involved, Mayor Jaeger offers this advice: “Start small and invite everyone to be part of the solution. Begin with a project that people can see and feel connected to, whether it’s cleaning up a park, planting flowers, or organizing a community event. When community leaders are willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside their neighbors, it inspires others to do the same.
To learn more about the Volunteer Community of the Year Award, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and deadlines, visit the Engage Arkansas website here!
This article is part of the Engage Arkansas 2026 Civic Challenge. The Civic Challenge focuses on one vital impact area to showcase impactful stories statewide. In July, Engage Arkansas highlighted the importance of Rural & Community-Based Service.
Yuliana Murillo, 2026