Next month is the Big Give McCook, the one day community drive in McCook to raise funds for 31 nonprofit organizations.
The McCook Community Foundation Fund is among those organizations for which you can donate. But this column isn’t about MCFF. It’s about service.
Christian followers are all called upon to be servants - vigilant servants. We are well versed that we all can serve others with donating our time, talent or treasure.
Every year since Big Give started, the goal for the treasure portion of service has increased and been met. People from McCook and surrounding areas have been very generous. What has been evident is that those who give have given more and that the numbers who contribute remain about the same with little increase.
The Biblical story of the widow’s mite comes to mind when reviewing the above-mentioned data. The amount given is not the major factor. It is the giving regardless of how much or how little that is important. This year, it would be great if all those who have given in the past would continue to give - and give just a little more.
But a big blessing would be that if we see an increase in the number of givers. Even the poor widow gave out fo desire to serve and help others.
But service need not be financial. Our community needs volunteers.
Volunteers to be a mentor for TeamMates are needed. CASA needs more people to help. The YMCA needs volunteer coaches, officials, timekeepers and scorers. St. Patrick’s Elementary and McCook Public Schools function better when volunteers are part of the equation.
The Humane Society could use dog walkers, Meals on Wheels could use drivers and clubs and organizations like Rotary, Norris Institute and the Optimists need members.
Most of our churches would welcome parishioners who don’t just attend, but also volunteer. And it is difficult to find folks willing to serve on boards or run for political office.
Service can be calling on a sick neighbor, raking their leaves, mowing their lawn or simply stopping by to say hello.
We all have our own agendas, but sometimes those agendas need to be set aside to help others.
This year with Big Give McCook, we hope not only for an increase in the fiscal giving, but that more individuals will be community minded and be willing to serve others with their time, talent and treasure.
“Blessed are those servants whom the Master finds vigilant upon his arrival.” Luke 12:37
Dennis Berry serves as a member of the McCook Community Foundation Fund, as well as countless other important organizations which make McCook an even better place to call home.
Sara Rippen named February 2026 McCook Volunteer of the Month
Practicing Good Stewardship Takes Effort But Reaps Many Rewards
Bison Days brings high schoolers and community members to learn about job possibilities but also interests and hobbies in their hometown.
With little to snow on the ground in McCook, holiday lights help beat the drab and dreary season.
To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.
Master Storyteller Will be Missed but Memories Remain
Maintaining the status quo or not doing anything may be cheaper initially but long-term, the costs are more.
Make 2026 memorable by getting involved and making an impact in your community.
As the year comes to a close, members of the MCFF Advisory Committee share "why" they do their community work.
