Spring Into Service

It's been busy at the volunteer office but I want to recognize the accomplishments that were supported by volunteers in 2024 with the release of our 2024 annual report. It's hard to capture how every donation of time contributes to making exciting things happen for our residents. From pet adoptions to special events, VIP volunteers support the very things that make Plano the City of Excellence.

With gratitude,

Corina Sadler, CVA

Volunteer Resources Manager

Reflecting on 2024

VIP's Annual Report recognizes the 5,994 volunteers who donated their time and talents in 2024.

The report highlights the impacts of the new Volunteer Portal, our storm recovery volunteers and VIP's Supervisors of the Year. View the full report here.

Thank you for another year of volunteerism. Plano's service-minded residents, like you, make our community excellent.

Power Up Your Volunteer Portal Experience

Have you created your volunteer profile yet? If so, we encourage you to login and edit your profile the following ways. The edit options below are accessible via web browser through the Edit Profile page.

Upload a Photo. This helps VIP staff and on-site coordinators get to know you.
Confirm your Contact Info. If you move or change phone numbers or want to use a different email, please update your profile as needed.
Update Free Text Fields. This lets VIP know a bit more about you, what you want from a volunteer experience and any unique skills you bring to the table. City staff read these comments when reviewing incoming applications or recruiting for very specific roles.

While updating your profile, you can also make updates to your Causes and Interests using the "how-to" shared in our previous newsletter. VIP uses these selections to send targeted outreach emails. For step-by-step instructions and videos, click here.

If you haven't created a volunteer profile yet, you can sign up here. Make sure to double check your contact information when registering, fill out free text fields and make thoughtful selections for your Causes and Interests.

Organizations Give Back to Plano

VIP builds strong relationships with businesses and community organizations wanting to volunteer. Thank you to all of the businesses and student groups not pictured who teamed up for volunteering!

Thank you Bank of America for sending a team to support the Holi event at Parr Library!

Thank you Capital One for sending a team to set up for the Bag of Books Sale at Haggard Library!

At the City of Plano

Jennifer Guilkey (left) and Janet Leavitt (right)

VIP Supervisors of the Year

Each year VIP recognizes a City of Plano staff member who excels at leading volunteers in their department. Jennifer Guilkey and Janet Leavitt both received the 2024 Supervisor of the Year award for their combined efforts in fostering the spirit of volunteerism at the Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+ (SJRC).

Jennifer Guilkey supervises Gazebo Café volunteers and works alongside them to provide affordable meals to older adults. Janet Leavitt oversees volunteer greeters, bingo callers and gardeners. These roles engage members, enhance services and promote community connections. In 2024, Jennifer and Janet’s efforts combined led to 67 volunteers contributing over 7,000 hours of service to the SJRC.

The Sustainability and Environmental Education Division had a team-building exercise while assisting Plano's Local Good nonprofit with creating an exciting seasonal event for their clients.

Special Recognition

Plano Police Department

Photo credit: Ken Meyers - K.D. Myers Photography

Plano Police Explorer Post 911

The Plano Police Department proudly announced that Skyleen Enes from Plano Police Explorer Post 911 was awarded the coveted 2025 Explorer of the Year Award at the Chisholm Trail District Dinner. Skyleen's dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence is impressive. Her passion for law enforcement and service to her community is inspiring. Plano PD is very proud of the work the Explorers do while representing the department and the City of Plano. Congratulations, Skyleen!

Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations to Frank Guckes on receiving the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award from the Plano Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.

Pictured above: Frank Guckes (left) and Sgt. Babb (right).

Rookie of the Year

Congratulations to Jay and Glenda Harrold on receiving the 2025 Rookie of the Year award from the Plano Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.

Pictured left to right: Jay Harrold, Sgt. Babb, Glenda Harrold

Special Thanks

Neighborhood Services - Point in Time Count

Thank you to the 62 volunteers who joined Neighborhood Services and Plano Police Department staff during the annual Point In Time Homeless (PIT) Census volunteer event. The PIT Count is conducted every year on one day in January across the country. Volunteers identify individuals experiencing homelessness, conduct surveys, and distribute resources and care packages.

Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program

So far this year, 86 volunteers have supported PISD students in their quest for a summer internship. Thank you to everyone who reviewed applications, helped at the Kick Off event and during Intern Prep Day. Your donation of time and expertise is impacting students across Plano.

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