TOLEDO, Ohio – University of Toledo senior Willie Jackson was selected by ProMedica on Monday to receive the ProMedica Young Philanthropist of the Year award,

"I'm very thankful to receive this honor, but it wouldn't have been possible without the support of my teammates and our coaching staff," Jackson said. "Being able to give back means a great deal to me and is something I plan on doing the rest of my life."

"I'm extremely proud of Willie for all the time and effort he has done to help people in our community," Head Coach Tod Kowalczyk said. "Giving back is something our program believes in strongly. Receiving this award is a tribute to how much Willie cares."

During this past holiday season, Jackson raised money in order to provide gifts for patients and their families in the Toledo Children's Hospital. He also donated a portion of that money to the Boys and Girls Club and the Alopecia Foundation.

The ProMedica Young Philanthropist of the Year award is given by the ProMedica Foundation to a young professional (age 19-39) who shows exemplary support to achieve our mission. This individual has made donation(s) to support efforts to improve health care at a ProMedica Institution or within the community. The candidate is an advocate for ProMedica who inspires others to get involved and has made an impact to improve health and well-being in our community.