Hannah Baleme/MDN Kim Albert has been involved in community work in Minot for many years.

Minot resident Kim Albert wants the community to know just how rewarding and important it is to give back.

Born in Belcourt on an Indian reservation, Albert attended Belcourt High School before going off to North Dakota State University and eventually making Minot his home in 1983.

Albert said he’s always been involved in community work everywhere he’s lived.

“My dad always believed in being involved, and I followed suit,” said Albert.

Immediately after moving to Minot, Albert joined the local Chamber. He has also been a member of the Zoo Board, the Boy Scouts Finance Committee, the Minot State Beaver Booster Board and a volunteer at Norsk Hostfest.

“You name it, I’ve probably been on it,” Albert said.

Albert volunteered at Hostfest for 35 years. He ran parking and security until he finally retired.

“It’s a young man’s game, but for 35 years I was in charge of all of the parking and security. We would help transport people from the parking lot to the front door and get them back home safely,” Albert said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to jump start a car because someone left their lights on.”

Albert said because of volunteering at Hostfest, he has met and made connections with people from all over the nation.

“I remember the same couple from Maine and a couple from Washington would park their RVs in the same spot every year. I would stop by and say hello and have a cup of coffee with them. Not only would they leave thinking Minot is a wonderful place, but I also had new friends from Maine and Washington,” Albert said.

Albert has been on the Minot State Beaver Booster Board since 1985, and a team host since 1983 for high school basketball teams competing in the state tournament hosted at MSU.

“As a team host, we are representatives of this community. When the teams leave here, we want them to leave with a positive thought of what they have experienced,” Albert said. “I remember at a pep rally, the New Rockford team were all saying, ‘You know, I’m not so sure about Minot.’ And I said ‘Well hey, give us a chance.’ So, we gave them a police escort when they got into town and every day I made sure to do something special for them, like give them cookies or a homemade souvenir. All those little things add up.”

Albert said he wants everybody to come to Minot and say, “Wow, when you go to Minot, they really want you here.”

“I think that’s really important,” he added.

Albert is active in the community in other ways as well, such as giving blood.

“I have given 190 units of blood. I’m going to give blood again this week. It’s so important to do,” Albert said.

He said there are many opportunities in this area, and whatever you give, you get back twofold.

“When I moved here in 1983 and joined these organizations, I made connections and friendships that I will have for the rest of my life. I hate to say it, but you think you’re doing it for others, but in essence, you’re doing it for yourself as well,” Albert said. “When you’re active with your community, you are representing your community. It’s amazing how responsive people can be when you go out and do things.”