2026 Alberta and Richard Lee Volunteer Awards: Shining a light on those who help 

MEDIA RELEASE__The United Way of Greater Lima, The Lima News, Your Hometown Stations, Cenovus, Milano Café and Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center work cooperatively to bring the Lee Volunteer Awards to Lima/Allen County and its contiguous counties. (Nomination form HERE.)

The local program began in 2025 to continue honoring local volunteers to continue the spirit of the national Jefferson Awards program, which ceased operations in early 2025. 

From all nominations submitted, up to five adult applications and up to four youth applications will be selected as the 2026 Lee Volunteer Awards finalists. The selections will be made by a panel of area leaders and past Jefferson Awards winners. The winners will be announced at a banquet on April 22, 2026. 

READ MORE New volunteer awards replace national Jefferson program