Local volunteer Cheryl Hurst was awarded a Key to the City of Federal Way for her many contributions to the Federal Way community on July 19.

The key was awarded to Hurst by Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and the city council at the regular city council meeting on July 19 for her works of service to the community through various nonprofit organizations.

In 2018, Hurst founded the local nonprofit organization Do the Right Thing, which collaborates with public and private organizations to help at-risk families with children. She is also the Mirror’s Hometown Hero for July 2022.

“As the founder of Do the Right Thing, Cheryl Hurst has made an exemplary impact on the lives of children, families and students,” said Ferrell during the award presentation.

One of the organization’s most well-known programs is the annual diaper drive, March of Diapers, which provided 396,801 diapers and 210,304 wipes this year through donations.

Hurst started March of Diapers in 2014 and later expanded it into Do the Right Thing in order to help at-risk families with children living just above the poverty line.

“I’m honestly so honored. I’ll say honored and embarrassed at the same time. There are so many great people in this community,” said Hurst at the award presentation. “If it wasn’t for Federal Way, there’s a million things that we would have never accomplished … Thank you so much.”

Do the Right Thing’s call to action is “working today for a better tomorrow,” which they strive to do by working with various charitable organizations.

These organizations include the Nourish Food Bank in Edgewood, DAWN Domestic Violence Shelter in Kent, and the Multi-Service Center in Federal Way. Hurst has worked with several other nonprofit organizations over the years, including We Love Our City Federal Way, the Multi-Service Center, the Rotary Club, and more.

Hurst said Do the Right Thing is currently looking for a grant writer for the organization.

To learn more about Do the Right Thing, email contact@dotherightthingnonprofit.org or call 253-334-1020. Also visit their Facebook page @Dotherightthingnonprofit for more information about how to donate and get involved.