Barry County Celebrates Volunteers with New Recognition Program
*HASTINGS, Mich.* – The Barry County United Way and Volunteer Center has officially launched nominations for the 2026 Volunteer Awards, a program designed to honor residents across Barry County who have generously contributed their time and talent to improve the community.
The awards will recognize individuals and organizations who exemplify volunteerism in diverse areas of community service, from nonprofit agencies and service clubs to churches and businesses engaged in employee volunteering programs.
Award Categories
The 2026 Volunteer Awards include six distinct categories, each highlighting different aspects of volunteer excellence:
- Volunteer of the Year – For outstanding individual volunteer contributions throughout the year
- Youth Volunteer of the Year – Recognizing young people making a difference through service
- Senior Citizen of the Year – In partnership with the Barry County Commission on Aging, honoring older adults who dedicate time to community service
- Continuing Service Award – For volunteers demonstrating long-term commitment to causes
- Corporate Service Award – Recognizing companies that foster volunteerism among employees
- Group Volunteer Award – For organizations and groups that mobilize volunteers for community impact
"The Barry County United Way and Volunteer Center is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Volunteer Awards," according to a press release. "The Volunteer Awards recognize, honor and celebrate residents within Barry County who have given so generously of their time and talent for the benefit of the community."
Nomination Deadline and Recognition Event
All nominations must be submitted by Friday, May 8, 2026 to be considered for the awards. Eligible nominators include nonprofit agencies, service clubs, churches, businesses, and any organization that utilizes volunteers within Barry County.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 6-7 p.m. at the Barry Community Enrichment Center, located at 231 S. Broadway in Hastings.
Winners will receive personalized awards, while all nominees will receive a certificate of appreciation for their commitment to Barry County.
Contact Information
For those interested in submitting nominations or learning more about the program, interested parties can contact the Barry County United Way directly:
- Email: morgan@bcunitedway.org
- Phone: (269) 945-4010
A complete nomination packet is available through the Barry County United Way website or by contacting the office directly.
"This event is an excellent opportunity to celebrate volunteers who work in a variety of areas," the United Way stated in their announcement. "We hope that you will take a few moments to submit a nomination and recognize a volunteer or volunteers that you know are doing great work for the community."
The 2026 Volunteer Awards program represents Barry County's commitment to acknowledging and supporting the countless individuals who volunteer their time to make the community stronger, healthier, and more vibrant.