Keri Jucha

When Keri Jucha was 10 years old, she was rushed to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego after of week of what seemed like a cold. However, there was nothing routine about this illness. Eight hours after arriving in the ER, she was having lifesaving brain and sinus surgery as a result of a sinus infection that traveled to her brain. The risk and severity were huge. Her recovery is a miracle and Keri spent nine days in the hospital as opposed to the estimated six weeks. During her recovery, a friend gave her beads to help pass the time. Keri started making necklaces and bracelets. After several dozen, she realized she could sell them to raise money for the hospital. Her parents helped her set up an online auction where she auctioned off over 100 pieces of jewelry she made. Keri raised almost $8,000 from her initial fundraiser.

While spending time in the hospital, Keri also realized she could do other things to help. She had the idea to bring the movies to children that were hospitalized. Keri purchased a home movie system for the hospital playroom. It included a portable big screen, AV cart, DVD player, projector, BOSE sound system and dozens of new DVDs for the children to watch. Keri also purchased beanie babies for the children and donated $1,818 to Liam’s Fund at the hospital. This organization works to raise money for the neurosurgical department at the hospital.

Keri also decorated the playroom, rolled out a red carpet and handed out tickets she designed for her movie premier. The response from the children was fantastic. The staff and children loved it and the room has been used in ways never anticipated. Teachers can plug in their computers for lesson plans and the children can play games.

At age 12, Keri is still volunteering. With her Bat Mitzvah approaching in May, Keri wanted to do another fundraiser (or mitzvah project) for the hospital in the Jewish tradition of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). This time, Keri is raising money to purchase laptop computers, more DVD players and more DVDs. In addition, Kerri wants to do more to help the children’s stay at the hospital a bit more bearable.

The Rady Children’s Foundation advised they have never had a patient turn around and give back like Keri has. She hatched ideas while she was still in the hospital and her beading project turned into so much more.

Priya Sathaye

Priya Sathaye has been volunteering with the Sunday Friends Program since August of 2006. Sunday Friends is a nonprofit organization that runs programs for low-income families in San Jose, CA. She taught piano lessons to children, led art projects and played a key role in the program’s “shopping” operations. Priya was quickly recognized as a star volunteer with leadership qualities and was invited to serve on the Sunday Friends Volunteer Leader Team.

As a Volunteer Leader, Priya has arrived at programs prepared to lead particular projects and to fulfill particular roles. She serves as a role model, not just for the children but also for the other volunteers.

In the spring of 2008, Priya proposed creating a fundraising club, composed of high school students, to support Sunday Friends. After some discussion with the staff, Priya structured her plans as a community service summer internship program, one that would allow its young members to learn about the art of fundraising.

Priya initiated the High School Fund Raisers (HSFR) by working with a graphic designer to design a logo and then creating a promotional flyer, application, joining agreement form and service log form. She collaborated with the Sunday Friends’ webmaster to create the HSFR web page, which provided information plus all of her special forms. Priya lined up guest speakers who were fundraising experts in the community and laid out a well-defined schedule of talks and meetings.

Priya recruited members for HSFR from a variety of California Bay Area high schools. She reached out through school clubs and through Sunday Friends programs. The HSFR group began meeting as soon as school was out for the summer. They interleaved learning sessions, taught by guest speakers, with planning sessions, led by Priya. The group decided to organize and run a restaurant based fundraiser event that was a success.

Priya was motivated to create the High School Fund Raisers by her positive experience with volunteering within the Sunday Friends programs. The group provides a safe place where families come together with volunteers in a secular community setting. Children and their parents are provided with opportunities to earn the things they need to promote self-reliance and a healthy, productive lifestyle.

The groups’ activities foster the growth of developmental assets in children. The parents are included so that the practice of positive life skills will continue throughout the week in their homes. These exercises can help the families break the cycle of poverty.

Priya has definitely made an impact in her community. Once she began her service, Sunday Friends began to receive more donations. Priya tracked the progress through a spreadsheet. Not only did Priya and her group raise money for her programs, but she connected Sunday Friends to new donors. As of today, Priya has contributed more than 70 volunteer hours to HSFR leadership, and HSFR has raised $8,640.

Laura Wysocki

Laura Wysocki broke her elbow playing soccer and while at the doctors, noticed an ad in the paper for volunteers. The program assigns Special Needs students with a “buddy” for one-on-one instruction in the rules of the game of soccer and the spirit of teamwork.

Being a buddy to little Gordon is an eye opener for Laura. Born with Down Syndrome and a weak heart, Gordon has undergone two heart surgeries. Gordon does not know anything about soccer, is reluctant to play and is notorious for running off the field every opportunity he can.

Gordon opened up to the skills Laura has been teaching him and he gave soccer a try. Gordon’s kicks are haphazard and each time another player intercepts the ball, he gets frustrated. However, Gordon came out of his shell.

Laura’s next challenge was to show Gordon teamwork. After weeks of insistent practice, interspersed with hugs and laughter, Gordon becomes a team player. He smiles, laughs, bows and gives high fives to his teammates as the audience, including his mom, praises his accomplishments. It was hard for many to believe the change they saw in Gordon; that shows just how much difference volunteering makes.

While recovering from her soccer injury, Laura learned a lot from Gordon. She developed a new perspective that made her more empathetic to disabled youth. She had a greater understanding of how they feel and the challenges they face to play sports. Her broken arm was temporary; however, their physical disabilities were permanent.

Laura’s initial experience with Gordon and the progress he made inspired her to continue to serve. Now three years later, she is still volunteering. Laura has also encouraged friends to volunteer.

As the children learn new skills and the parents enjoy a respite on the sidelines, Laura feels a personal satisfaction. She and her friends have developed a bond with the children which continue after they leave the soccer field. As a volunteer, she learns about children with disabilities and shares the bond of friendships she has developed with others at her school.

NELLY ARIAS

Jody Fazzano

Jody Fazzano is a licensed clinical social worker with a Master’s degree in social work and is qualified to counsel people with substance abuse issues. In addition, Jody formerly was a news producer for the local ABC affiliate, channel 6 in Providence, RI. Jody has continued her work in the social/clinical area as an independent case worker. To say that she maintains a busy schedule would be an extreme understatement.

It is said that the true character of a person comes out when a community or its citizens face their greatest need. In Jody’s case, the need was during the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav and later Hurricane Ike. After viewing the damage to property and the despair of the people on TV, Jody contacted the local American Red Cross chapter, hopped on a plane and spent nearly a month in the disaster zone, working 12 hour shifts comforting, consoling and counseling people as an unpaid volunteer. This is truly an act of a selfless person, putting herself at risk in order to help others, but is not surprising to those that know her.

It is nearly impossible to assess and quantify the impact on the community or region where Jody volunteered, along with others representing the Red Cross and other service organizations. However, the after action reports that are routinely filed with the Red Cross chapter CEO’s in order to evaluate and improve disaster response indicate Jody’s help was exemplary. It is safe to say that she lent a helping hand to hundreds during her time in the disaster zone.

Jody has also served as a trustee at The Wheeler school for years, a volunteer at the Wolf School for children with special needs, she is a former Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald house here in Providence as well as supporter of CARITAS house for people fighting substance abuse issues. She has accomplished this as a breast cancer survivor and nearly dying after being struck by a car. The Fazzano name has a long history in Rhode Island of civic involvement, volunteerism as well as widespread philanthropic endeavors. Jody following in her family’s footsteps in these areas should come as no surprise, but the public she has helped over the years is forever grateful for her contribution. 

Joan Mulloney

Joan is a relentless animal rescuer and spends quite a lot of time assisting in the rescue, care and placement of homeless dogs and cats, using her own resources. When you can’t find anyone else to help, Joan tries to be there. She assisted recently with the transport of a dog listed on “Dogs in Danger” to a safe haven in another state. She offered to pay the veterinary expenses for a disabled man’s cat and has taken an elderly Shar Pei into foster care in her own home after the dog’s story was emailed to her. Joan helps many animals that might otherwise be euthanized to find forever homes.

All who come into contact with her are more humane, less discouraged and more motivated to do what they can to end animal suffering. And, of course, the animals whose lives she has touched are so lucky that their paths crossed—it’s like meeting your own guardian angel.

She inspires greatness in others and provides an example of what can be done with determination and a desire to help.

The Huscroft Family

Four years ago, while leaving for the Kentucky Derby, the Huscrofts first heard the story of thoroughbred racing champion Afleet Alex and his connection to a little girl named Alex Scott. Alexandra “Alex” Scott was the creator of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. When Alex was only 4 years old, she voiced a simple wish; she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. This simple wish has transformed into a national volunteer movement, with thousands of stands being held across the country. The Huscrofts exemplify the principles the Foundation was built on, that one person and family can make a difference in the world.

After being overwhelmed by Alex’s courage, bravery and compassion for others, they decided to get involved to help her cause. The Huscrofts hosted their first lemonade stand in 2005 with their four children making signs and mixing lemonade. In 2006, Tom Huscroft, their uncle, was killed in a traffic accident. He was passionate about the cause and very involved with the lemonade stands. In his honor, the family continued to host stands and asked neighbors to join. The year after the Huscrofts asked more friends from school, sports teams and other activities to pitch in. Through the years the Huscrofts’ Alex’s Lemonade Stand has grown into a community event and in 2008, saw friends and family hosting eight Alex’s Lemonade Stands across the community. The family has raised nearly $40,000 for the Foundation and the battle against childhood cancer.

The Huscroft Family chose to not only hold their own lemonade stand to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer, but they decided to involve their entire community. By working with others in their community, they have raised even more funds for the Foundation, and perhaps more importantly, have educated those around them about just how integral funding is and how serious childhood cancer is.

There are so many things that make the Huscroft’s unique and special, perhaps most importantly how they became involved with the Foundation. They learned of ALSF at the Kentucky Derby in 2005 and became very involved. Tom Huscroft was possibly the most passionate about the cause and when he was killed in a traffic accident in 2006, the family decided to continue holding lemonade stands in his honor.

Shelby Kelley

Every day I see people in need, they are walking down the street. There are 2 and 3 families living in one house, families of 5 and 6 living in one bedroom apartments, there are no jobs, life is hard. I am not rich nor is my family, however if we have a dollar or $5 we help someone. It’s just how it should be, love your neighbor. How many paychecks are you from being hungry, cold or homeless? Think about it, half of Americans are only a few paychecks from just that so we have to help when you can.

Crime is rising, homelessness is rising and the poverty level is almost out of control. There are too few shelters for help and even though there are some who don’t want help there are that many more who do want help. I started Teens Save Inc. in 2005 and we have been going strong ever since, adding new members and getting involved. I sit and listen to people cry and then work out where the problem exists. If it means education or home foreclosure, we find that help. If they are hungry, I feed them. I have talked to my mom and had 3 people that would have otherwise been homeless, live with us and now they are back on their own and doing well.

This is not for everyone, you have to feel it and want it. I have the need inside of me to help people and it is amazing! Shelters are few and far between and something has to be done. The department of Children and families reported as of March 2008 there was 1,441,726 on food stamps and another 436,315 waiting for applications. February 2008 there were 8,667 homeless minors, 34,391 adults and 2,727 senior citizens, all homeless and this is just what can be accounted for. It’s really scary and we have to take a stand before it’s so out of control nothing can be done.

Our mission: To seek those in need, feed, comfort, cherish as friends, educate, spiritually council, to change the world one person at a time. We are Teen’s Save Inc. Not only does this program teach young adults about truth, honesty, integrity and faith, it also teaches them leadership, loyalty and understanding of the world today. Founded in 2005 by Shelby Kelley, who was then only 12 Years old, I now, in 2008, have 11 active members of Teen’s Save and still adding kids range from 9 to 15 years old. In the first few meetings and when all new members become active I start by explaining that the world can be changed for the better it just takes doing it one person at a time.

Through the years we have remodeled homes for cancer patients and disabled people, helped to pay utility bills. Feed those who were hungry and placed 4 people from the homeless shelter into new lives. Found foreclosure help to those in crisis and helped with emergency medical needs. We send care packages to our military abroad and to those injured and recovering in Virginia. We collect blankets, jackets, socks, shoes and toys for local children. During Christmas time we hold fundraisers to not only feed families for Christmas but to bring smiles to children faces when Christmas morning comes around. It’s never much but it is always something and a lot of fun. Life is hard the kids told me one day. I understand why so many people are depressed and mad, they have that, right it is hard. Jobs are hard to find, businesses are closing, real estate is in the hole and let’s face it; there is no other word than HARD! These kids all come with a story, hardship, hunger, alone, they have all seen how the world really is. The amazing thing is they set their feelings aside just to help someone else. I don’t know many adults that would do that. So in 2008, Teen’s Save celebrated there 3 year anniversary and became incorporated, thanks to Mr. Bret Jones, an attorney in Clermont.

This is a need, right here, right now. The weather is changing and people cannot get warm, space heaters are burning down homes, people will freeze to death. People forget about us small towns. People pass through this town by the hundreds daily. This shelter is a desperate need. We are trying so hard to get a place. But again times are hard, I am only 15 and don’t work, so I can’t do this on my own. I will if I have to but I would like a little help. I know people look at our town as small; however there is an entire county here for whom we will open our doors. We will get them to the shelter one way or another.

Where there is a will, there is a way. Open your hearts, minds and souls and you too will see. This is a non-paying full time job. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I work 4-6 hours a day to help people either on the computer, on the phone or meeting people face to face. There is just so much that needs to be done, I too could use some help to get these people off the street and into life again. My 5 year plan is to build a large facility that will allow people to seek shelter, go through our screening, become educated, job trained and then moved to affordable housing.

We need these things. There will always be a need for shelters because things happen. Even when the economy wasn’t bad people still lost jobs every day. So I will be there to pick them up with or without a shelter, because that’s what I do. I pick people up dust them off and give them a boost. Won’t you join me?

Zach and Thomas Eller

This is story is about Zach and Thomas Ellers’ volunteer work:

“We have always loved animals and have gotten dog food for our birthdays instead of presents. We started volunteering for a pet rescue organization and wanted to do more, so we baked dog biscuits. We sold them at the pet adoptions and gave the money to help with fostering expenses. From there, our business grew and we have been able to donate almost $8,000 to pet rescue.

We have always wanted to help homeless pets. It is something we have always done and plan on teaching our own kids how to bake our dog biscuits.

We are trying to help save some of the 6-8 million homeless pets in shelters in the U.S. We baked 3,000 biscuits this past summer to get ready for two big events we attended this past fall.

We are planning to attend more events next year to try to make even more money for the homeless pets. We have a website, Woof ‘Em Down Dog Biscuits, where people can place orders.

We have some youth volunteers that help us bake and they are as happy about helping homeless pets as we are. We couldn't do it without them. Today, as I write this, my little cousins are in Charleston, SC selling biscuits at their school Holiday Festival. They have decided to donate their money to Greyhound Rescue. They said they wanted to follow in our footsteps and we are very proud of them for wanting to do this. They are in kindergarten and 2nd grade and already see that there is a need for homeless pets to be rescued.

My brother says, "It isn't how small you are, but how big your heart is." We are always trying to get more young people to volunteer because it feels so good to be part of the solution to the homeless pet problem.”