This summer has been busy at the City of Excellence. From 175 teens volunteering for the Plano Public Library to dozens of corporate groups supporting efforts at the Plano Animal Shelter, our departments are always bustling. We have new programs launching this fall that take our volunteers outdoors and into the community. Below you will find updates and appreciation for the volunteers who are doing important work alongside our passionate City staff. We strive to elevate services through the great spirit of volunteerism in Plano.

With Gratitude,

Corina Sadler, CVA

Corina Sadler was busy this summer presenting to a variety of audiences about how Plano leverages a vast array of volunteers to do great work in partnership with staff. She spoke in Ft. Worth at the DOVIA of Tarrant County meeting before heading south to Austin to speak at the Texas Library Association Conference with Library colleague Kristin Linscott. Corina's last stop was the Points of Light National Conference in St. Paul, Minnesota where she highlighted Plano to other city governments and shared tips about how VIP builds strong partnerships.

Thanks to the City staff listed below for supporting the Food4Kids program at the North Texas Food Bank . Team Plano spent a few hours SERVE-ing at the Food Bank’s warehouse. “When all was said and done,” said Corina Sadler, “we had put together 6,875 meals, that's 375 boxes of food.” Those meals have a tremendous impact on the well-being of needy families by providing them with healthy food for the month.

The outing was an educational and heart-warming experience:

Nothing like air conditioned team building on a hot Thursday in July. Big thank you to staff of Sustainability & Environmental Education for spending their morning unloading thousands of donated books in preparation for the annual Friends of the Plano Public Library Book Sale at Plano Event Center.

Kudos to the Planning department for serving at The Assistance Center of Collin County’s Tools for School program which provides supplies and support for area students and their families:

Christina Sebastian, Karen Suiter, Donna Falletta and Linette Magana

To receive this annual award, the volunteer must be a well-rounded, reliable individual and must strive to live a sustainable lifestyle and encourages others to do the same. Respected among their fellow volunteers, they are looked to as a mentor by younger volunteers. They are dependable and enthusiastic about their role. Kathy has volunteered regularly at the Reuse Center and has assisted with numerous special events and classes. She volunteered at the Plano Community Garden at its inception and many years following. She is being honored for the thousands of water rebates she processed this year. Thank you Kathy for all your efforts in supporting the work of the department.