|
Posted: March 23, 2007
There aren’t many people who at some point in their life don’t sit back and dream about what they would do if they were given a million dollars! The City of Plano, however, doesn’t have to wonder what it would do if given $1,000,000! The City already knows.
That $1,000,000 would go towards complementing paid staff through provision of resources and expertise. It would enhance and expand citizen services, test new ideas and initiate brand new services.
Police officers would have more time for patrol duty thanks to additional help in handling designated non-confrontational activities. Prospective pets at the Animal Shelter would have more one-on-one time devoted to exercise and grooming. Mother Nature would get a boost through new environmental programming and cleanups. Parks would get a helping hand in inventory of infrastructure resources and facilitation of children’s camps while the Library system would be able to host additional puppet shows for pre-schoolers. Administrative functions throughout the City would be enhanced through extra help in data entry, filing, typing, scanning and organizing of inventory.
That’s just part of what the City not only WOULD do with $1,000,000 but HAS done with the over $1,218,316 in-kind donation of time and talent this past year thanks to over 5,000 volunteers who have contributed 77,673 hours to support City initiatives.
City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck advises, “Volunteers are invaluable and strengthen our City’s ability to provide excellent services to the residents of Plano. This year, thousands of dedicated volunteers helped us improve the quality of life in our community and be more responsive to the needs of our citizens.”
Plano has been fortunate to have outstanding volunteers participating in municipal services since 1983, when the Volunteers in Plano (VIP) Program first began. This past year 17 City departments benefited from the use of a sterling group of volunteers, be it through handicap parking monitoring for Police to coming out en masse to help in the annual City-wide cleanup to preparing lunches at the Plano Senior Center.
A special celebration, Wednesday, March 28, 7pm at the Courtyard Theatre, 1509 Avenue H, will recognize the important role volunteers play in the community and express appreciation to those who have served the City in the past year. Over 200 volunteers and guests from Libraries, Parks and Recreation, Police, Fire and other City departments are expected to attend.
“Volunteers are an integral part of what has made the City of Plano a highly valued organization,” explains Ms. Robin Popik, Volunteer Resources Supervisor. “This year’s theme is “Reflections.” We will have a Reflection Wall and are encouraging volunteers to bring stories to post or share their reasons for volunteering.”
“VIP’s display their dedication by giving back to the community, by supporting our municipal services and by allowing us to offer additional programs and services to the community,” said Ms. Popik.
Several volunteers will be recognized for special milestones, along with a special recognition for the Plano VIP Supervisor of the Year and a tribute to those volunteers nominated for the Collin County Volunteer of the Year Award. Volunteers will be treated to the storytelling of nationally-recognized Elizabeth Ellis, known for her riveting tales of Appalachian and Texas stories.
Said Mr. Muehlenbeck, “We are proud of our volunteers and grateful for their contributions. That is why we are celebrating them and their achievements.”
|
|