by Theresa Garee

A Grove City resident hopes her crown will shine light on children whose parents experience substance misuse.

Brittney Putnam was crowned as Miss Ohio Volunteer 2026 on Aug. 16, after serving as Miss Grove City. In the next year she will represent Ohio at many events leading up to the competition for the national title of Miss Volunteer America in June 2026 in Jackson, Tenn.

“This upcoming year is all about making the absolute most of the 365 days I’ve been given to serve. I plan to stay as busy as possible, maximizing every opportunity to connect with communities, amplify nonprofit organizations, and advocate for my S.E.R.V.E. (Scholarship, Education, Responsibility, Volunteerism, and Empowerment) initiative, and represent Ohio on the road to Miss Volunteer America. I only get one year to wear this crown, and I want to leave it all on the table knowing I gave my best to the people of this state,” Putnam said.

Putnam moved to Grove City to attend the Ohio State University where she studies human development and family science with a minor in substance misuse. She hopes to enter into law school following graduation.

“I hope to obtain my Juris Doctorate and work in the nonprofit sector of child advocacy law, ensuring that children impacted by difficult circumstances have a strong legal voice,” Putnam said.

Her long term goals are to become a member of Congress and shape policy that protects families and strengthens communities. Her desire to walk this path began at home when her parent, who was a governmental firefighter, experienced substance misuse.

You’re Important Too: Advocating for Children and Families Affected by Substance Misuse.

The S.E.R.V.E. initiative and mission is rooted in the belief that, “your circumstances don’t define you, they inspire you; no matter who, what, or where you come from, you are important too,” Putnam said.

She hopes her efforts will act as a bridge between lived experience and community impact, “reminding others who have felt overlooked or underestimated that they, too, have value and purpose,” Putman said.

In addition to her personal volunteer work to support her initiative, Putnam will also support the Salvation Army across Ohio and raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Salvation Army and St. Jude’s are the national partners of Miss Volunteer America, so uplifting them is an important part of representing the organization on both the state and national level. At the same time, I am deeply committed to substance misuse advocacy. I currently serve as an Operations Assistant with The Cardinal Crew, a nonprofit in Cleveland that supports families impacted by addiction. I also plan to work alongside The Salvation Army’s recovery housing program during my year of service,” Putnam said.

To keep up with Putnam you can follow her Facebook page: Miss Ohio Volunteer or visit www.missohiovolunteer.net