Unified Government Hosts Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast

Published on December 09, 2022

Over 274,000 Service Hours Celebrated 

Kansas City, KS –Today, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) hosted a volunteer appreciation breakfast at Memorial Hall, KCK to honor the dedication of over 125 volunteers that have directly served throughout many UG departments and agencies.

Today’s ceremony honored the commitment of volunteers that have served with the UG from 3 months to 25 years and have contributed over 274,000 estimated total volunteer hours. This group of diverse individuals come from many different backgrounds and areas, but all have the same common goal in mind, which is helping enhance the lives of the people of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.

“Volunteerism is at the heart of what it means to put service of another above oneself,” expressed Mayor Tyrone A. Garner. “It is the ultimate gesture of compassion, unity, and love – all are necessary to build stronger and more resilient communities. Love isn’t love unless it is given away. It is with gratitude that I personally thank those who have volunteered their time and expertise at the UG in doing all that they can to help make Wyandotte County a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

This was the first in-person appreciation ceremony the UG has been able to host for volunteers since the Covid-19 pandemic. The UG Human Resources Department worked hard to ensure today’s ceremony made volunteers feel the sincere gratitude of UG staff and the community.  

This year the UG celebrated the 25^th anniversary of consolidation. During today’s ceremony special recognition was shown to the longest serving UG volunteer, Ms. Wondrous Burns. With 25 years of service, Ms. Burns is a true testament of hard work and selfless commitment. Ms. Burns was the very first volunteer under Mayor Carol Marinovich. Before coming to volunteer with the UG, she volunteered for many years with Governor Cuomo’s office in New York.  

“For some people, volunteering is about just showing up, but for our volunteers it is a conscious dedicated decision to give their heart and commitment each day to serve our community,” said Human Resources Director, J. Renee Ramirez. “I am beyond grateful for the hard work, sincere passion, and the knowledge that our volunteers bring to the UG each year. On behalf of all the employees of the Unified Government, we thank our volunteers for continuing to have the heart to share their time with us.”  

This year volunteers received individual recognition certificates along with UG volunteer swag and the opportunity to directly engage with Mayor Tyrone Garner, Interim County Administrator Cheryl Harrison-Lee and other UG leadership.

The Unified Government is constantly looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers that share the common goal of wanting to make a positive impact in the community.  More information about volunteering with the UG, please visit our website at www.wycokck.org/volunteer.