In 1989, the Junior League of Kankakee County began the
Volunteer Recogntion Program. The Volunteer Recognition  Program honors the extraordinary efforts of volunteers who contribute countless hours to the betterment of Kankakee County. With the support of the United Way and First Trust Bank the Junior League organizes an annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon to honor the efforts of those volunteers and the contributions they make in our community. 
Each year local organizations nominate their superstar volunteers.  In addition to the Sharie Heenan Memorial Award, which recognizes the League member whose community service best portrays the League's purpose of promoting volunteerism, nominations are solicited in the following eight categories: 

• Arts and Culture
• Civic
• Education
• Environment / Conservation
• Health and Human Services
• Religious and Spiritual
• Sports and Recreation
• Youth