Storm Recovery

Following the May 28 storm, Neighborhood Services launched a Storm Debris Assistance Program for residents who are unable to remove fallen trees and debris due to physical or financial hardship. Volunteers have been working hard to help their neighbors through the program’s Storm Recovery Work Days initiative. Volunteers cut trees and debris and stack piles to be collected by Environmental Waste Services. Many thanks to each and every person who has served through this program. Volunteers like you are one of the many reasons people are proud to call Plano home. Storm Recovery Work Days are held on Saturday mornings and are scheduled through July 27. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit the VIP Volunteer Portal.

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

We appreciate Hilton Helping Hands for supporting Davis Library

Thank you MW Builders for setting up for the Book Sale at Haggard Library

President's Volunteer Service Awards

Congratulations to the students who received the President's Volunteer Service Award for serving 100+ hours with the City of Plano in 2023. They were presented with their certificate and pin by Mayor Muns in front of the Plano City Council.

Isha Banerjee

Saanvi Bhalani

Charlotte Chen

Zain Hussain

Emily Jacob

Meher Jammalamadaka

Avi Nautiyal

Aditi Puri

Nathan Raguboopathi

Riya Rathod

Rishub Rathod

Aditi Shanker

Prachi Sharma

Oviya Shenbaharaman

Anussri Srinivasan

Sreehari Vijaybhaskar

Fay Xu

Priscilla Yu

Plano Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association

Volunteer Awards

Frank Guckes

Presidential Volunteer Service Awards - Lifetime Achievement

In 2023 Frank Guckes became the 8th Citizens Assisting Plano Police (CAPP) member to receive the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for lifetime achievement. To qualify for this honor, an individual must volunteer over 4,000 hours for CAPP.

Frank began his service in 2018. Since then, he’s contributed close to 6,000 hours to the Plano Police Department’s efforts. Over 4,000 of his total hours were on street patrol. 

Live Green in Plano Volunteer Awards

Plano Public Library Volunteer Awards

In May, VIP and library staff celebrated the dedication and contributions of library volunteers. Library Director Libby Holtman and City Manager Mark Israelson addressed volunteers and staff praising the impacts they have on furthering the Library’s mission and strengthening the community.

Andy Poe

Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations to Plano Public Library’s Volunteer of the Year, Andy Poe. In 2016, Andy started volunteering with the Conversational English program (previously named Small Talk). During COVID-19 facility closures, the program switched to Zoom and Andy continued volunteering.

Now, Andy volunteers at the program twice weekly – with in-person and virtual Conversational English sessions. This program facilitates discussions about everyday topics between individuals wanting to practice speaking English. Volunteers help with conversations and share information about American culture. Andy’s dedication and friendliness make him well-suited for this role, and staff says the program would not be as successful without him. 

Plano Animal Services Volunteer Recognition

Volunteers enjoyed an appreciation luncheon in May where their unique contributions were celebrated by Animal Shelter staff, VIP and Mayor Muns. Jennifer Meers and David Reed were recognized for reaching their 15-year volunteer milestone. Louise Chen received the Tail Wagger Award and Annette Polk earned the Cat’s Meow Award. 

Bryan Baldwin

Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations to Plano Animal Services’ Volunteer of the Year, Bryan Baldwin! Since he started helping in 2011, Bryan has contributed over 1,000 hours serving the shelter as a dog exerciser, adoption counselor and Pups in the Park lead. He also supports the volunteer program by training new volunteers in dog body language and animal handling. Bryan’s compassion for canines, diligence and leadership make him a truly exceptional volunteer. 

Nancy Cate

20th Volunteer Anniversary

Nancy Cate achieved the milestone of 20 years of volunteer service with Plano Animal Services. In hours, Nancy has given over 11,500 to the Shelter. However, her real impact is immeasurable. She’s fostered around 600 cats and kittens, provided essential enrichment as a Cat Room Attendant and supported staff by transporting cats to specialty vets as needed. If you’ve adopted a cat from Plano in the past 2 decades, it’s likely Nancy was part of creating a welcoming and enjoyable Animal Shelter experience. 

Sam Johnson Recreation Center Volunteer Appreciation

On May 20, Sam Johnson Recreation Center volunteers were recognized for their service by Parks & Recreation staff, VIP, Deputy City Manager LaShon Ross, Mayor Muns and council members Julie Holmer and Rick Smith. SJRC volunteers prep and serve meals at the Gazebo Café, assist at Bingo events and greet visitors at the door. The Plano Garden Club tends to the gorgeous greenery in the SJRC courtyard garden. Whoever walks into the building is impacted by the volunteer spirit that makes SJRC the premier destination for active adults in Plano.

As a memorial to his civic impact and legacy, City Council proclaimed April 21, 2024 as Dr. Christopher Alan Parr Day. Dr. Parr moved to Texas for a career at the University of Texas at Dallas Chemistry Department. He started as an assistant professor and left as a dean.



In retirement, Dr. Parr committed himself to community service. After 27 years of volunteer work for Plano Public Library, he received the unique honor of having Plano’s fifth library named after him. 

Additionally, Dr. Parr volunteered as a writer, editor and webmaster for community organizations such as Plano International Festival, DFW American Chemical Society, Texas Sister Cities and the Plano Public Library Foundation. He was a founding co-chair of the Multicultural Outreach Roundtable, a City of Plano advisory board. Dr. Parr’s legacy has forever shaped City of Plano. 

Susan G. Komen Dallas Race for the Cure is coming back to Plano! The 2024 Komen Dallas North Race for the Cure is on Saturday, October 19 at the Campus at Legacy. To learn about individual and team race registration click here. Access information about volunteering at the event here.

The Plano Conservancy for Historical Preservation is seeking a treasurer to join their board. As treasurer, you'll support the Interurban Railway Museum and other historical projects in Plano. A background in finance, accounting or a related field is ideal. Board terms last three years. If interested, contact kim@planoconservancy.org.

Calling all nature and wildlife lovers! The Dallas County Parks and Open Space Program seeks volunteers for beautification, habitat restoration, trail maintenance and community outreach. Opportunities are available at the 21 preserves across Dallas County including locations in the cities of Carrollton, Garland, Mesquite, Rowlett, Grand Prairie, Coppell and Dallas. Learn more about individual, youth and corporate opportunities online.