Youth Volunteer of the Year - Desiree Herrst

Desiree Herrst volunteers in a small northern Michigan community, but she makes a big impact in the lives of those she serves. She mentors girls and young women with disabilities, volunteers at the Grand Traverse Children’s Museum, and makes cat beds for her local animal shelter. Desiree is also a member of a robotics team that recently built a car for a young boy with spina bifida. However, a bulk of her volunteer time is spent making yarn wigs inspired by Disney to support The Magic Yarn Project. This project provides character-inspired wigs to young kids battling cancer. She has spent more than 100 hours on this project and made over 30 wigs with a goal to make at least 100 more. Desiree has made a lasting impact on this organization, the children and their families. Her great volunteer efforts have also inspired others and she has led workshops on how to make the wigs through her local church.” Desiree’s service is unique. She wants to do anything and everything she can to make the lives of children better, especially those with disabilities or those battling cancer,” said her nominator.