At the heart of the Junior League of Collin County (JLCC) is volunteerism.  Since their inception 41 years ago, JLCC has contributed over 750,000 volunteer hours to nonprofits serving Collin County.  To celebrate and encourage volunteerism throughout the Collin County region, JLCC hosts the annual Excellence in Volunteer Service Awards to honor local volunteers who are changing our community for good.   Held at Piazza on the Green in McKinney, community leaders served as award presenters and Dr. Cheryl “Action” Jackson of Minnie’s Food Pantry was the keynote speaker.  A common theme was heard among the nominees’ stories that together, volunteers and nonprofits change lives.  Not just the lives of those receiving but also of those giving.  Excellence in Volunteer Service is sponsored by David & Chris Downs, Simplyconnect, Susie Cakes, Fiore x 7, Pittman Designs and Community Impact. 

2018 Collin County Excellence in Volunteer Service Awardees: 

Spirit of Collaboration (2)

Organization:  Frisco Arts

Individual:  Steve Perry, Plano Metro Rotary

Youth Volunteer of the Year

Sydney DeWolf – nominated by National Charity League Plano Area Chapter

Youth Organization of the Year

Team Willowbend North Texas Performing Arts

Collin County Business Leadership

USAA

Excellence in Leadership

Officer Art Parker, Plano Police, school resource officer

Emerging Community Impact Award

Grace to Change

Collin County Volunteer of the Year

Tonya Winchester – nominated by Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Nonprofit of the Year

Jewish Family Services

All photos by Susan Bellson Photography