2026 Volunteer Awards presented by Wisconsin Public Service Foundation

The Salvation Army Lunch Program volunteers are a remarkable group of 30 individuals who quietly make a powerful difference in our community every single day. Together, they help address one of the most urgent challenges facing many people in Brown County: food insecurity. Each weekday, this dedicated team helps serve lunch to 100-150 people in our community. Many of the guests they serve are experiencing financial hardship, housing instability, or simply don’t have reliable access to a kitchen or three meals a day. During the summer months, when children are no longer receiving meals at school, that need becomes even greater. Volunteers arrive early in the morning to prepare food, serve guests, wash dishes, and help keep the entire program running smoothly. In the past year alone, this team contributed more than 5,000 hours of volunteer service. Some volunteers have been part of the program for decades, including one incredible volunteer who has been serving for 26 years.

What makes this team truly special, though, is the way they care for the people they serve. Through their compassion, reliability, and generosity, these volunteers are doing far more than serving lunch. They greet guests with kindness, learn their names, and take time to check in with them. For many individuals experiencing poverty or homelessness, those small moments of connection mean everything. They help restore dignity, build trust, and remind people that they matter. Their dedication also allows Salvation Army staff to focus on other critical services like case management, housing support, and outreach programs for people working to rebuild their lives.

The Garden of Lights Set Up Team is an amazing group of 16 volunteers whose dedication helps bring one of Northeast Wisconsin’s most beloved holiday traditions to life. Long before the first guests arrive, this team works tirelessly behind the scenes to transform the Green Bay Botanical Garden into a glowing winter wonderland filled with beauty, warmth, and holiday magic. Together, they contributed more than 750 hours installing over 40 large-scale displays and miles of pathway lighting. Their work requires creativity, technical skill, physical labor, and an incredible commitment to detail. From constructing and repairing displays to troubleshooting electrical issues and ensuring pathways are safe and welcoming, they make the entire experience possible.

Many of these volunteers have served for years, with some involved since Garden of Lights first began in 1997. They return season after season with enthusiasm, teamwork, and pride, always willing to solve problems, mentor new volunteers, and improve the experience for guests. Most of all, this team brings joy to the holiday season. Their work creates moments of wonder for children, families, and generations of visitors who return year after year. Though much of their effort happens out of sight, the impact shines brightly in every smile, every memory made, and every tradition continued.

This initiative began several years ago as a single carload of leftover food. Today, these volunteers use multiple vehicles and dedicate a combined 40 hours weekly to recovering high-quality surplus food from community partners and transforming it into thoughtfully prepared dishes for individuals experiencing homelessness. This team helps make possible something essential: ensuring that every guest is welcomed with a nourishing meal while good food is never wasted. Their name is a playful nod to the biblical story of the five loaves and two fish, where a small offering became more than enough to feed thousands.

Each Monday, the Five Loaves team collects, transports, organizes, and prepares food donated from various community partners. When weekly catering donations first began, the generosity was overwhelming and difficult to manage with existing staff. What could have become an unworkable burden instead turned into a thriving system because this team stepped forward. They did not simply assist with food recovery. They designed, implemented, and now sustain the operational framework making it possible.

Their impact occurs not only because of their dedication but also due to the remarkable depth of experience within the group. Members bring specialized professional and life expertise in areas such as logistics, accounting, medicine, food service, parenting, and caregiving. With these strengths, the team makes each week feel seamless, even joyful, for staff, volunteers, and guests alike. The Five Loaves and Two Chickens team doesn’t just feed people — they feed hope.

This pair of volunteers, through their dedication and sense of purpose, has a quiet, but profound impact on families transitioning out of homelessness. For more than 20 years, they have given selflessly of their time week after week, transforming empty housing units into welcoming homes where families can begin rebuilding stability and hope. Marlene and Diane manage Ecumenical Partnership for Housing’s Unit Coordinator Closet, the central hub for all donations that support families moving into EPH homes. They sort, clean, and shelve everything that’s donated, from essentials like cleaning supplies, bedding, and pots and pans, to items that make homes feel warm and personal, like artwork, books, and toys.

Every family served by EPH benefits from Marlene and Diane’s efforts. Their behind-the-scenes teamwork ensures each house is fully equipped for daily living. This allows unit coordinators to create safe and comfortable spaces that provide each family with the dignity and support they deserve. Marlene and Diane are crucial to EPH’s operations and a blessing to every family who walks through the doors as they serve with humility, kindness, and unwavering compassion.

The Wrightstown Historical Society is recognized for its outstanding contributions to arts and culture and for the remarkable volunteers who bring that mission to life. This group serves the entire Wrightstown School District, which includes about 5,000 residents in the communities of Wrightstown, Greenleaf, Askeaton, and surrounding areas. Their work ensures that the stories, traditions and shared experiences of this region are not lost but preserved and passed forward. At the heart of this effort are two extraordinary volunteers: Anna Coussons and Sue Martin. Together, they contribute more than 5,100 volunteer hours every year, committed to protecting the heritage of their community.

Through their leadership, the Society operates the 175-year-old Mueller-Wright House Museum, preserves thousands of historical artifacts and records, and maintains an extraordinary archive of photographs, newspaper articles, cemetery and church records, and a community family tree. They help residents trace family histories and uncover property stories. They bring photographs and memories to nursing homes so older residents can share their experiences before those stories disappear. They guide nearly 100 fourth-grade students each year through hands-on museum tours that make local history real and meaningful. They also partner with local businesses, helping them connect authentically to the community’s past, and even mentor emerging historical societies in neighboring communities.

In every sense, Anna and Sue are not simply preserving the past. They are building a bridge between generations, ensuring that future residents will understand the story of the place they call home. Their dedication shows us that protecting history is also an act of creating culture and strengthening community.

The success of the performing arts doesn’t just happen under the stage lights. It also depends on the people working quietly behind the scenes. Joe’s connection to Evergreen Theater began as a parent. His daughter joined the young actors program, and like many parents, Joe spent time sitting in rehearsals and attending performances. Over time, Joe began lending his technical expertise to help the organization solve problems and improve productions.

When Evergreen Theater partnered with Downtown Green Bay to launch free Theater in the Park performances, one major challenge quickly became clear. Without proper sound equipment, audiences wouldn’t be able to hear the actors. Joe stepped in immediately, advising the organization on what microphones and sound equipment to purchase and volunteering to run the sound for those early shows.

Today, Joe serves as one of Evergreen’s most trusted technical advisors. He helps select microphones, speakers, mixing boards and other equipment, always making sure the organization gets exactly what it needs without overspending. Joe also takes the time to train other volunteers so the knowledge is shared and productions can run smoothly. When the theater group moved into its new performance space at the end of 2025, Joe’s dedication reached another level. For weeks, he could be found installing microphones, running cables, testing acoustics, and configuring internet and security systems, ensuring everything was ready for opening night. Joe never asked for recognition. He simply saw a need and stepped up, and because of that, Evergreen Theater and the community it serves continue to thrive.

Steve is the kind of volunteer every nonprofit hopes for: dependable, compassionate, and always ready to step in wherever help is needed. For the past eight years, Steve has volunteered with The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay, contributing more than 1,200 hours of service across several important programs. He consistently shows up with a strong work ethic and a genuine heart for serving others.

One of the most critical needs Steve helps address is food insecurity. Each week, he assists with pantry distribution, helping move food from the pantry to the outdoor drive-through area and loading groceries into clients’ vehicles. His reliability and willingness to tackle physically demanding tasks help ensure that families in our community receive the food they need with dignity and respect. Steve also makes a meaningful difference for older adults by helping to provide transportation for seniors so they can attend activities like bingo, bridge club, and shopping trips. These outings help reduce loneliness and give seniors opportunities to connect and stay engaged. During the holiday season, Steve takes on another important role as a ‘Lead Elf’ in the Salvation Army Toy Shop, helping sort thousands of donated toys so families in need can give their children a joyful Christmas.

Steve’s nominator, Michaela Koepp, wrote, “Steve’s presence makes our organization more effective, more welcoming, and more dignified. He truly goes above and beyond to support our clients and uplift those around him.” Steve’s kindness, humor, and dedication have touched countless lives and made our community stronger.

Alexus is a volunteer who has quietly made a powerful impact on some of the most vulnerable members of our community. For the past year, she has volunteered more than 175 hours with St. John’s Ministries, helping serve individuals experiencing homelessness here in Green Bay. Much of her work happens behind the scenes in the shelter’s donations and requests area, where she sorts and organizes clothing, hygiene items, and essential supplies for guests arriving with little or nothing.

In many cases, these items, especially warm clothing during Wisconsin’s cold winters, are not just helpful, they are critical and can make an immediate difference in someone’s safety, comfort, and dignity during one of the hardest moments of their lives. Alexus also works directly with staff to fulfill personal requests from guests, carefully assembling clothing and necessities based on individual needs. It’s a role that requires patience, attention to detail, and compassion, and Alexus approaches it with all three.

Through her social media platform, Helping Green Bay, Alexus regularly shares real-time needs from the shelters, connecting community members who want to help with meaningful ways to do so. Her posts have inspired donations, volunteer support, and a deeper understanding of the challenges people experiencing homelessness face. Alexus leads not through titles, but through action. She shows up consistently, invites others to serve alongside her, and reminds us that meeting basic needs with dignity can be the first step toward hope and stability.

House of Hope Green Bay serves as the region’s only emergency shelter dedicated to the unique and often complex needs of young people and their children who are experiencing homelessness, aging out of foster care, or fleeing dangerous situations such as human trafficking. It is within this mission that Anya has made an extraordinary and lasting impact. Since beginning her volunteer service at just 14 years old, Anya has devoted the past three years to advancing the organization’s fundraising and community engagement efforts. What started as helping at the annual Touchdowns for Hope gala quickly grew into a leadership role, where she now recruits, trains, and coordinates youth volunteers. In addition to her event leadership, Anya has been a driving force behind major fundraising campaigns, including Give BIG Green Bay. She participated in a texting party, in which she reached out to family and friends and left no ask unmade, helping the organization raise more than $250,000 in just 24 hours.

Demonstrating remarkable growth, Anya was asked to join House of Hope’s board of directors at just 16 years old. In this role, she brings a perspective that strengthens the organization’s governance and decision-making. Her voice ensures that the Board considers the viewpoints of young people, the very population House of Hope exists to serve, when setting strategy and priorities.

Through her volunteer work at House of Hope, Anya has inspired her peers to get involved, expanded awareness of youth homelessness, and helped break down stigma through her advocacy and leadership. She is a powerful reminder that leadership and service have no age requirement, and that one individual’s commitment can truly transform a community.

Jesssalin is a remarkable young leader whose dedication to service has made a meaningful impact across her school and community. Through hundreds of hours of volunteer work, Jesssalin has consistently stepped up to meet real needs. Jesssalin’s service is defined not only by the breadth of her involvement, but by the heart she brings to every task. She has devoted over 270 hours to visiting and supporting residents at Grancare nursing home, offering friendship, kindness, and connection to older adults who deeply value her presence. Whether it’s working on crafts or doing puzzles together, Jessalin helps ensure that no resident feels lonely or isolated.

At the same time, Jesssalin is heavily involved in giving back to the West High School community. She created and filmed a video to encourage other students to enroll in the AVID college readiness program, made signs for Silent Night in support of unhoused classmates, and assisted with a mock election. Jessalin also supports West High athletics as the manager of the football team and helping set up for track meets.

Her nominator wrote, “Jesssalin has grown into someone who understands that service is not about recognition—it is about showing up, doing the work, and making life better for others. What truly sets Jesssalin apart is her quiet leadership and unwavering commitment to others.”

In Brown County, nearly half of students are at risk of falling behind academically. Reading Coaches for Kids aims to address this gap by providing consistent, one-on-one literacy support to elementary students within their school day. Nancy has served as a volunteer Reading Coach at Howe Community Elementary School for nearly four years, providing support to 51 students. She dedicates her time each week to working directly with second graders, often exceeding her one-hour weekly volunteer commitment for the program. With patience, encouragement, and individualized instruction, Nancy meets each student where they are in order to help them grow. Her impact is both measurable and personal: every student she supported this past year showed improvement in reading skills, along with increased confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

Nancy’s commitment to supporting young learners also extends beyond the classroom. When Reading Coaches for Kids expanded into the Pulaski Community School District, she used her community connections to promote the program and recruit new volunteers.

What truly sets Nancy apart is her understanding that literacy is more than an academic skill. It is a foundation for opportunity, connection, and hope. Through her steady presence and heartfelt dedication, she is not only helping children learn to read, but helping shape brighter futures for each student she serves.

For many individuals in our community, the path to U.S. citizenship can feel complex and overwhelming. Through his leadership of a weekly Tuesday evening citizenship class at COMSA, H addresses this critical need by preparing aspiring citizens for the naturalization test. In his classes, students learn U.S. history, civics, government, and the interview skills they need to confidently pass the citizenship exam. Because the test format and questions change over time, H continually updates his curriculum, staying ahead of new requirements and policy shifts to ensure his students are fully prepared. Recently, he also partnered with COMSA’s ESL teacher to make the format more conversational so that students can improve their language skills as they learn about their new country. H is motivated by the students’ resilience and determination, takes pride in watching their growth, and shares their joy when they pass the naturalization test and are sworn in as United States citizens.

Beyond the classroom, H has served on COMSA’s Board of Directors and is a trusted source of critical immigration updates for their staff. In addition to COMSA, he is also an active volunteer with Casa Alba Melanie and the Migration Advocacy Group. His commitment helps individuals successfully navigate the naturalization process, opening doors to greater economic opportunity, civic participation, and long-term stability for themselves and their families.

No matter the task, Joan is often the first to step in when a need arises, whether it’s spending time with a baby while a new mom gets an hour to herself, helping a parent learn to drive, or assisting with the annual family Christmas party. The Ecumenical Partnership for Housing aims to provide safety and stability for families with children facing homelessness, and Joan has worked tirelessly to assist these families as they work toward self-sufficiency.

As a member of EPH’s board of directors, Joan’s leadership has impacted the lives of hundreds of families facing homelessness. In addition to serving on the board and on multiple committees, Joan volunteers throughout the year in various capacities, including supporting operational needs with her invaluable I.T. and project management expertise, cleaning homes to make them welcoming spaces for new families, and mentoring the families living in those homes.

In the community, Joan has helped increase awareness of EPH and family homelessness by representing the organization within her church, securing media opportunities for EPH, and serving as an advocate at various events. She is intentional about recognizing and praising the efforts of staff and volunteers, making others feel appreciated and motivated. Her compassion is especially evident in her interactions with families. Watching Joan connect with them, seeing her genuinely caring nature – these are powerful reflections of her heart for service. Her warmth and joy remind families that they are supported and valued.

Mary’s dedication demonstrates how one person’s time, energy, and heart can transform an organization and inspire an entire community. Over the last 10 years, she has served on nearly every major committee at Golden House, helping secure essential funding, guide strategic growth, and oversee facility improvements. Her efforts ensure that survivors of domestic violence and their families receive safe shelter and supportive services.

Mary has generously given countless hours to Golden House, and her leadership has strengthened Golden House in profound and lasting ways. After completing her initial six-year board term, she remained actively involved through the Show of Strength fundraising committee, then later returned to the board. When Golden House launched a capital campaign to expand the University Avenue shelter, Mary immediately joined the campaign cabinet.

Mary inspires others through her mentorship of new board members and staff. She also volunteers directly with clients, teaching Rent Smart classes that equip survivors with practical knowledge and skills to achieve housing stability and independence. Her dedication to the mission of Golden House has never wavered and has had a tangible, lasting impact on both the organization and the individuals it serves.

Mike’s quiet, steady service has made an extraordinary difference in our community. For more than two decades, he has helped make sure that one of the most basic human needs is met for people experiencing homelessness: a warm, nourishing evening meal. Since 2005, he has served as the volunteer meal coordinator for St. John’s Ministries during the cold weather shelter season. Every single night from November through April, Mike makes sure dinner is ready. For someone arriving at the shelter after waiting outside in Wisconsin’s winter cold, sometimes for hours in the snow or 10-degree temperatures, that meal means a lot. It’s not just food. It’s warmth and a reminder that someone cares. It’s a moment where a guest can sit down, eat, and feel welcomed.

Over the past 21 years, Mike has helped make possible more than 250,000 meals for people experiencing homelessness in our community. Each season, he coordinates more than 130 volunteer meal teams, working with churches, community groups, and returning volunteers to make sure every night is covered. He schedules months in advance and stays in close communication with teams, building the relationships that make this program work year after year. Mike loves connecting with the people behind every meal: the church group serving for the first time, the volunteers who return year after year, and the guests who greet a familiar face with a smile. Because of Mike’s commitment, thousands in our community have been welcomed not only with food, but with dignity.

For more than 15 years, Don has quietly and consistently shown up for his community. What began in 2009 as a few volunteer hours with The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay shopping at Coats for Kids has grown into more than 1,400 hours of service. Today, he gives around 150 hours each year, and many of those come during the busiest and often coldest months of the year. From October to December, Don provides critical logistic support behind the scenes as an important member of the holiday operations team. He helps pick up and transport donations for programs like Coats for Kids, the Christmas Toy Distribution, and the Red Kettle Campaign. Whether he’s driving, assisting another volunteer, or swapping out full kettles so fundraising can continue, Don makes sure the work keeps moving forward.

Because of his reliability, children in the community receive warm winter coats, families experience the joy of Christmas gifts, and vital fundraising efforts continue to support programs throughout the entire year. His volunteer commitment extends beyond the holiday season. He serves as a route monitor for the Donut 5K, sorts food donations from the Letter Carrier’s Food Drive, and collects school supplies through Stuff the Bus for One Stop School Shop.

What stands out about Don isn’t just the hours he gives. It’s the way he gives them. He shows up with warmth, kindness, and a genuine smile. He checks in with staff and volunteers, shares a laugh, and looks for ways to help wherever he’s needed. Through those small, everyday moments, he builds connection and lifts the people around him.