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. 

The family of Alberta Lee, a civic leader who believed in volunteerism and public service, sponsors the monetary awards for up to five adult finalists, who will each receive $500 for the nonprofit of their choice. James E. and Sandra Monfort (both past winners) are the monetary sponsors for up to four youth winners, who will each receive $250 for the nonprofit of their choice. 

One adult finalist will receive an additional $500 for the organization for which they volunteer, and one local youth finalist will receive an additional $250 for the organization of their choice. 

ELIGIBILITY
Recipients are volunteers who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition or reward. 

Individuals of all ages may be nominated for the Lee Volunteer Awards. Groups are not eligible; however, individuals from groups may be nominated. The exception is that married couples or two people who have worked closely on a project may be nominated. 

The volunteer work must be done in the following counties: Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Hancock, Putnam or Van Wert. The volunteer must reside in one of those six counties. 

As of January 1, 2026, an individual who is over the age of 19 will be eligible for the adult award, and any youth 18 and under will be eligible for the youth award. Individuals are not eligible for cash awards. 

Cash awards must be made payable to qualifying non-profit organizations registered with the Ohio Secretary of State or be a political subdivision of the state as described in 107 (c)(1), such as a public school or government agency. If the organization for which the winner volunteers is not eligible for a cash award, another qualifying agency may be selected. Past winners of the Jefferson Awards and Lee Volunteer Awards are eligible for re- nomination five years after their original win. 

Volunteer service may be performed on work-release time or for student course credit. 

If you have questions, contact Erin Hardesty, United Way of Greater Lima, at 419-227-6341 or [email protected].