Volunteer of the Year

Each year, Volunteers United chooses a Volunteer of the Year who shows tremendous volunteerism supporting United Way of Hancock County and the community.

The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated dedication and willingness to serve the community through their overall involvement with United Way as a volunteer and leader, as well as with other organizations in the nonprofit sector. 

The Distinguished Volunteer of the Year Award has been presented since 1981 and was renamed in 2012 in memory of Jeri Bjorling.

Bjorling was chair of the United Way of Hancock County’s Board of Directors when she died. She was a remarkable volunteer, leaving an unforgettable impact throughout the community through her involvement both with the United Way and a wide range of service organizations. She was a Difference Maker in the truest sense.

The Volunteer of the Year is typically awarded during our Annual Meeting in March. The individual’s name and photo are added to a plaque that hangs in our office year-round.in listings with United Way Worldwide.