Here’s a look at the winners of the Wallace Galluzzi Volunteer of the Year Awards, which were presented Saturday as part of the kickoff of the United Way of Douglas County’s annual fund drive.

The awards are named in honor of the former president of Haskell Indian Junior College, a former Lawrence Chamber of Commerce board member and tireless volunteer.

Reta Cosby

On any given day, call the Ninth Street Outreach Center, and chances are Reta Cosby will pick up the phone.

Cosby puts in about 60 hours a week for the center’s after-school program and she doesn’t make a dime. But ask her if all the work is worth it, and she’s quick to answer.

“You just can’t imagine,” she said. “It has been just totally gratifying.”

Cosby developed a tutoring and mentoring program at the center emphasizing the arts. Each week since December, 13 children have come as an alternative to playing in the streets or sitting on the couch.

She was recognized for her efforts Saturday with the Wallace Galluzzi Volunteer of the Year Award. For Cosby, the award is the cherry on top of a job she already loves.

“To see the children achieve within the community,” she said explains her attraction to the program. “To make that connection within the community for the children. To see the parents proud of the achievements that their children are making.”

The program began as a way for Cosby to use her degree in children’s theater. But, she said, “children get kind of burned out doing the same things over and over.”

So she organizes field trips and brings in university students. The children learn about self-esteem, and they read Bible stories. A partnership with senior citizens helps bridge the generation gap. And she’s not stopping any time soon.

Pat Harmon

Pat Harmon has simple advice for youth interested in volunteer work: Just do it.

“It turns out to be more fun than you expect,” the 13-year-old said.

A student at Central Junior High School, Harmon volunteers for 21st Century Learning Center at Woodlawn School.

Since last September, he has helped dozens of children with math and reading, and Saturday he was awarded the Wallace Galluzzi Volunteer of the Year Award for his efforts.

He stumbled onto the job accidentally when he visited the center and a leader asked if he would like to help. A year later, Harmon said it felt good knowing he might make a difference in the lives of those he helps, and he also knows he is something of a role model.

“I just try and lead by example,” he said, adding that even bouncing a basketball indoors gets noticed and copied by those who look up to him.

When Harmon walks into the center, the students yell his name and run toward him. And he’s able to cheer up those who complain about too much work by telling them to be glad they’re young it only gets worse.