McCook Volunteers
nominate a local volunteer to be the McCook volunteer of the month.
McCook Volunteer of the Month
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.
Linda Graff named McCook Volunteer of the Month for December 2025
While many people think volunteering is for older residents, serving your community has no age restrictions. And young people can regularly be found lending a hand or offering their services in their hometown. The November 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month recognizes one of many young people are working to make their community an even better place to call home: Grady Riemenschneider. Currently a senior at McCook High School, Grady volunteers with a wide variety of organizations and groups. As a four-year member of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s Youth Change Reaction, Grady serves as the ambassador for the youth group’s “Cars Under Stars,” the outdoor movie theater at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. At nearly every showing, he can be found operating the projector and setting up the parking lot, as well as passing along his knowledge to the next ambassador. In McCook’s FFA program, Grady has held officer roles the past four years and is currently the chapter vice president, organized the chapter banquet in 2025 and coached for the conduct of chapter meetings. Along with serving as the president of the Driftwood Feeders 4-H Club, he assists with setup, tear down and fundraising for the dog show and helps fellow members train their dogs. Grady steps in to help and lead at local events, including Prairie Plains CASA’s Kick in’ It Up for CASA and the Cajun Broil; the Edward Jones Alzheimer’s Walk; operating sound boards for various groups; and Feed the Farmer. And he has served as a youth leader at McCook Christian Church for elementary youth since approximately 2018 as well as stepping up to ensure the ag program ran smoothly during a teacher’s maternity leave Upon request from his mother about some of Grady’s activities, Sharleen noted that he is the “Chief Household Operations Officer: first responder for Mom’s to-do list, go-to chauffeur and caretaker for his favorite sidekick (a.k.a. his nephew), and the family’s unofficial event planner who somehow keeps everyone together without a clipboard.” The McCook Philanthropy Council recognizes a volunteer every month who is doing good work in McCook and Red Willow County. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308-345-3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s 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 but please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community. The volunteer honoree is selected monthly by the McCook Philanthropy Council.
Organizer for Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival and former librarian named Oct 2025 volunteer of the month.
Long-time community advocate Barb Ostrum received the Sept 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month award.
August 2025 Volunteer of the Month Bruce McDowell can be found walking around McCook for his health, to be helpful or maybe even attend a meeting.
Judy McCune named July 2025 McCook volunteer of the month
Joyce Anderson named June 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month
The McCook Philanthropy Council is proud to announce Dixie Bethell as the May McCook Volunteer of the Month. Dixie’s dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact on hospice patients throughout Southwest Nebraska. Dixie Bethell has been a beacon of hope and support for many in McCook and across southwest Nebraska. After retiring from the Business Office of Community Hospital six years ago, where she worked for 20 years, Dixie began volunteering with Community Healthcare and Hospice. Community Healthcare and Hospice offers hospice services, which provide medical care focused on comfort for individuals expected to live six months or less. Hospice care aims to manage the patient’s symptoms while supporting their quality of life and providing support for family caregivers. Dixie’s efforts in bereavement support have been invaluable. Bereavement support is the assistance provided to individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one. It helps family members and loved ones process emotions and understand how they’re feeling during this painful time. Dixie assists with support mailings to loved ones who have lost someone on hospice, organizing these mailings monthly for a program that lasts 13 months. Her compassion and dedication help grieving families feel supported during their difficult times. Dixie’s commitment to volunteering is deeply personal. She shares, “I've been through grief with both my parents and my husband. I feel like I have a connection with the people who are grieving and can pray for them.” Her ability to empathize and provide comfort to those in need is truly remarkable. In addition to her work with Community Healthcare and Hospice, Dixie volunteers at the McCook E-Free Church in McCook. She is passionate about the Vacation Bible School program and serves as the Co-Kitchen Coordinator, ensuring programs run smoothly and participants are well cared for. The McCook Philanthropy Council is proud to honor Dixie Bethell as Volunteer of the Month and is grateful for the positive impact she continues to make in so many lives. Thank you, Dixie. 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, mccook- foundation.org, to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please provide information about the nominee along with details on where and how they volunteer in the community. The volunteer honoree is selected by the McCook Philanthropy Council.
