GULF SHORES — Gulf Shores City Schools (GSCS) held its third annual Gulf Shores Gives Back Day, where students served in a variety of different roles to perform acts of service across the city.

Elementary, middle and high school students participated in the event working on projects from beach cleanup to building outdoor community spaces.

"We have more than 3,000 students, teachers, parents, community members volunteer," GSCS Assistant Superintendent, Stephanie Harrison, said. "We completed over 100 projects. ... I believe we have cleaned up every single piece of Gulf Shores."

Compared to last year, there was a similar number of volunteers seen this year but about 25 more projects were completed.

Another difference seen in Gulf Shores Gives Back 2026 was how the event was dedicated to the late Rev. Chrisy Ennen of First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores.

According to a press release on the announcement, Ennen supported the school system and served as a Kids Hope mentor.

"Chrisy lived a life of service and willingly gave back to our community;" the statement reads, "she was an example of the type of character we are teaching through Gulf Shores Gives Back."

The event works with several partnerships — including ones with the city, Gulf State Park and the new Gulf Center for Ecotourism and Sustainability — to meet the needs of Gulf Shores by bringing together students, educators, families and the community.

The event also operates off donations; this year, Gulf Shores Builders Supply donated all materials used for every project.

Gulf Shores Gives Back is led by the GSCS Mental Health Advisory Committee.