When it comes to someone celebrating the history of McCook, Red Willow County or Southwest Nebraska, one particular name comes to mind: Sue Doak. 

Her passion for history and sharing the knowledge with others is just one reason Sue Doak was selected as the June 2026 McCook Volunteer of the Month. 

Sue serves on the High Plains Historical Society board, which oversees the High Plains Museum. The museum served as the backdrop for the presentation of Sue’s volunteer award during the final event of the 2026 Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival. 

Sue is also part of the Southwest Nebraska Genealogy Society, writes a monthly column for the McCook Gazette about the history of the area, gives tours to share the historical events in McCook’s past and can even be found maintaining the native flowering plot in front of the museum. 

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.