Pam Gaston is the September 2026 McCook Volunteer of the Month, recognized for her roles at McCook Community College, 4-H Clubs and more in the community.

As a 1985 alumni of MCC, Pam served as president of the McCook College Foundation from 2019-2025 and continues on the Executive and Fund Development committees for the Foundation. Her passion for the college is mirrored by the numbers of hours she has given for the operation of the Foundation as a key volunteer for several projects with the foundation and college. 

Pam has also been the organizational leader for the oldest 4-H club in Nebraska, the Driftwood Feeders 4-H Club, for more than 30 years. Hundreds of her club members have excelled with exhibits and livestock projects due to her relationship with them and their family members. “Make the Best Better” is the 4-H Motto and Pam embraces this in her development of dog training practices for 4-H members that creates confidence ;with numerous 4-H members becoming successful at the state level. 

Past 4-Hers are becoming leaders for Driftwood Feeders and other 4-H clubs across the state, including service as dog judges for Nebraska county fairs and the Nebraska State Fair. It is readily apparent that she is committed to the next generation.

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 Volunteers” program.

In April 2027, the first Strunk Service Celebration will take place in McCook to recognize the previous 12 Volunteers of the Month one more time, as well as award $1,000 to each organization represented by those volunteers. 

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 making a difference in their community. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.