Sharing Comfort One Stuffed Animal at a Time
Mothers and daughters share stories all the time, but not all of them turn into a movement. When Julianna Gouthiere was six – she’s 11 now – her mom Amanda told her a story about when she was a little girl and was in a scary motorcycle accident on the back of her dad’s bike. A fireman on the scene gave young Amanda a teddy bear to comfort her, and it really helped. Julianna felt for that young girl, and wanted to make a difference with other kids suffering some kind of trauma. With her mom’s help, Julianna dreamed up Bear Share, a non-profit which donates new or like new stuffed animals to kids in Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Georgia, as well as overseas in India and Germany.
As of April 2018, more than 15,000 stuffed animals have been donated to organizations including The Philadelphia Center, The Gingerbread House, Cara Center, Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Louisiana State Police, Shreveport Fire Department and The Salvation Army. Julianna is helping bring comfort to children one stuffed animal at a time and is today’s Daily Point of Light Award honoree. Points of Light spoke with Julianna about her commitment to service.
What inspires you to volunteer?
When my mom was 13, she was in a traumatic motorcycle accident with her dad on his bike. She told me the story of how a fireman gave her a stuffed animal to comfort her and it inspired me. I wanted to pay it forward. We just had to figure out how to make it work. I came up with the name Bear Share, drew a logo of a teddy bear, made a flier, and went to work. The first donation of stuffed animals was to The Philadelphia Center, an HIV and AIDS Resource Center on May 24, 2013. I really wanted to help other young kids out there who were going through a hard situation.
Describe your volunteer role.
The first thing was to spread the word and get stuffed animals donated. Many local businesses held stuffed animal drives and served as drop offs. A local dry cleaner has been dry cleaning the like-new ones for free since the beginning. Since then, Bear Share has donated more than 15,000 stuffed animals to hospitals and nonprofit organizations, as well as to police and fire fighters, both in and outside of the U.S. In 2016, Share Bears became an official nonprofit organization with my brother’s Geaux Green project, under the umbrella Geaux Show Love. In my opinion, the journey is just beginning. I am the co-executive director of Geaux Show Love with my brother and the founder and leader of Share Bears.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
Knowing I’m making a difference in kids’ lives. I’ve gotten great feedback from the parents of children who have received one of the stuffed animals and I know it makes them smile. I’ve always felt good about volunteering. I’ve always wanted to make a difference despite my age.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
I’ve learned so much! Like how to speak properly on the news, in newspaper and magazine interviews, and in public. I’ve learned about how business works, how to make business cards and fliers, how to get partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations, and how to get donations of stuffed animals and money. I understand the work that I must do to keep Bear Share running smoothly and I’ve gained self-confidence and life skills.
Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?
Share Bears participates in local community events like 5Ks, Aneca’s Easter Eggstravaganza, etc. I wear a teddy bear costume dressed as our mascot Paws while I hand out the stuffed animals. I also look forward to annual bear drives at Lifeway and Shreveport-Mudbugs Hockey.
Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?
It’s important to give back because you never know what others are going through, so it’s always good to try to put a smile on their faces.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
You’re never too young to make a difference! If I could think of this when I was six and keep it going, any young person can follow their dream of giving back.
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Julianna Gouthiere? Visit All for Good to find local volunteer opportunities.
Alaska Woman Finds True Happiness in Helping Homeless Youth Succeed
For the past three years, Amy Jones MacKenzie has volunteered at Covenant House Alaska, a nonprofit organization serving thousands of homeless, at-risk and trafficked youth aged 13-24 in Alaska. As a volunteer mentor, she creates close relationships with young adults experiencing homelessness, and provides them with the stability, friendship, guidance and love that they need to transition out of homelessness and succeed in life.
When not working with her mentees, she spends many evenings planning, buying ingredients and cooking dinner with other youth in the transitional living program. As a lover of nature and outdoor activities, Amy has introduced new activities including rowing and hiking to the young adults and inspires them to be the best person that they can be.
Amy wears many hats and steps in wherever she is needed whether it is helping out in the kitchen, organizing special events or donating. She is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree and Points of Light spoke to Amy to learn more about her work with Covenant House Alaska.
What inspires you to volunteer?
We have a large homeless population in Anchorage. I’m always incredibly sad when I drive by people panhandling or go by the many homeless camps along the trails. I also feel helpless and angry about what seems to be a problem without any real solution. I learned about Covenant House Alaska when I started working at BP. I figured if there’s any way to end homelessness, it’s going to be focused on helping young people get a good start with “adulting” so that they have the support to learn skills and coping mechanisms to succeed. I enjoy being around the energy and excitement of youth. I was a “big sister” with Big Brother Big Sisters from 2006 to 2013 when my “little” graduated high school. (She just graduated from college with a 4.0 GPA and moved to Japan to teach English!) I was missing the connection with a young person and decided to look into volunteer opportunities with Covenant House Alaska back in 2015.
Describe your volunteer role.
I’m a mentor to a young adult living in the transitional living program, Rights of Passage, at Covenant House Alaska. I’m a sounding board, cheerleader and friend. So far I’ve had three mentees since I started in 2015. I also hang out with the kids in the program at least one Thursday per month, typically making dinner at Rights of Passage.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding thing about being a mentor is seeing the kids gain confidence in themselves and start to have faith that they can succeed.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
Unconditional love is always the answer. Being nonjudgmental in difficult situations and just letting any negativity I observe pass by without reaction is something I’ve learned as a volunteer but it serves me well anywhere.
Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?
I’m excited about a program we just started talking about at Rights of Passage that encourages travel and outdoor adventures—two interests near and dear to me.
Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?
Someone once told me “We’re not here for ourselves. We’re here for others.” When you look at how much happier you are when you’re making someone else happy versus when you’re focused on your own self, I think that’s true.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
The key to personal happiness is finding a way to be of service to others.
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Amy MacKenzie? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.
16-Year-Old Teen Helps Animals Through Jr. Vet Program
Like so many volunteers, 16-year-old Lesly Diaz treasured her opportunity to give back. But she never imagined that what she learned as a junior vet with DogE911 would spare her own dog’s life.
A volunteer with the pet emergency training agency since she was 11, Lesly was able to save her five-year-old dog Shakira’s life by recognizing a misdiagnosis confirmed by her DogE911 mentor. Instead of putting her dog down, Lesly and her mom drove three hours to another clinic for treatment. Two years later, Shakira is a healthy and happy pup.
Fueled by her deep love and compassion for animals, Lesly continues to volunteer as a youth assistant in the Jr. Vet Program where she gets a hands-on education about animal preventive care, triage, and disaster response as well as mentors other youth interested in animal well being. Because of her work with DogE911, she plans to study veterinary science, starting in her senior year of high school. Lesly knows from personal experience that volunteering can truly change your world.
Lesly is committed to making a difference in her community and is today’s Daily Point of Light Award honoree. Points of Light spoke with Lesly about her commitment to service.
What inspires you to volunteer?
What inspires me is doing what I love. I put my time in working with other youths like me, as well as learning and experiencing real life situations. I get to help others with the things I already know in case of an emergency. Also I get to interact with a lot of different people, I’ve been volunteering for five and a half years. Volunteering really does make a difference.
Describe your volunteer role with DogE911.
My role under the DogE911 program is being a junior vet. I help assist in events like vending booths, answering questions about our program and animal care. I have also helped with fundraisers for homeless, abused, and neglected animals. I have gone to the state capitol Sacramento a few times to speak with legislators and senators about animal laws, trying to get them to pass the laws.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
I was able to save my own dog’s life because of what I’ve learned by volunteering with DogE911, which I’ll be forever grateful for. I also work with first responders, helping to train them in case of an emergency. I’ve helped teach classes like animal triage, first aid kit, massage, etc. Because of my own training, in case of a real life emergency I am able to assist.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
I’ve learned that no matter what the situation is, the time you give to others is very valuable. It’s very nice helping others without receiving anything in exchange but a smile on someone else’s face. It feels good just helping others.
Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?
I’m excited for my senior year because I’ll be able to take a vet class that will get me ready for my career as a vet behaviorist.
Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?
It’s important because you don’t always know where the help is needed. By just putting your time into something or someone it will definitely show how much you care for your community and you’ll get so much out of volunteering along the way.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
To follow your heart and your passion, no matter what problems might get in the way. If you are truly passionate about your future goal, never give up. I always wanted to be a vet, which isn’t an easy road. Luckily I got into this junior vet program that has helped me get ready for my career. Even when I’m facing problems and feel discouraged, I know that helping animals is the best thing I can do. They can’t do things for themselves, or tell you what the problem is. Animals appreciate what you do for them, even if it’s just by showing you unconditional love.
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Lesly? Visit All for Good for local volunteer opportunities.
California Teen Brings ‘Joy’ to Pediatric Cancer Patients
Sheila Baker didn’t know Jessie Rees when she was alive. But when Jessie died, Sheila felt a great loss. The two girls grew up, lived in the same small California town, and were the same age. However, Jessie was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer and lived just 10 months before succumbing to the disease at age 12 in 2012. Although she was sick, Jessie dreamed up ways to help other children facing cancer. Her death affected the entire community, Sheila included. Sheila, who is named for her grandmother who passed away from stage four lung cancer, wanted to get involved helping kids like Jessie facing cancer. She has been a loyal and faithful volunteer with the Jessie Rees Foundation for the past six years, logging more than 165 hours so far in 2018.
Now 19, an age when many young people are focused on their own lives, Sheila chooses to give – of her time, her resources and her compassion. Sheila is making a difference in her community and is today’s Daily Point of Light Award honoree. Points of Light Spoke with Sheila about her commitment to service.
What inspires you to volunteer?
My inspiration is my buddy Carter, and all other courageous kids fighting cancer that I get to encourage. Carter is so special to me because he is the first courageous child that I was able to meet and build a friendship with. He was so brave and inspiring throughout his entire battle and always was the light in any room or situation.
Describe your volunteer role.
My role as a volunteer is mostly to help pack for and work events where we partner with compassionate corporations to stuff Joy Jars at their offices. I also love making the personalized jars that we send to children with cancer. I was also asked to travel with our team to events across the country as a representative of our organization. I started a club at my high school to spread awareness of our mission to the students and faculty on campus. And I led a campaign to collect toys and money for the Jessie Rees Foundation.
What is a Joy Jar?
It’s something Jessie, whose middle name was Joy, thought of to encourage other kids with cancer, a jar filled with love – fun activities, books, puzzles and other bits to break the lonely monotony of treatment and hospital stays.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my volunteer experience has been meeting kids who never ever give up, whether it is at hospital visits or when my high school hosted our own courageous kid Carter.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
I have learned that what this foundation does is truly my calling in life. Encouraging kids and families to NEGU (never ever give up) is incredibly inspiring.
Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?
I am very excited to travel more with the foundation. My favorite part about volunteering is spreading Jessie’s mission to everyone I can, especially people who otherwise wouldn’t know what we did to help kids.
Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?
I think it is so important for me because I am the same age as Jessie and being able to help, even a little bit, carry on a legacy like hers is amazing and so inspiring.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
I hope people can learn that getting involved in your community doesn’t have to just be for a day. I have been a volunteer for six years and have found my passion in life.
Do you want to make a difference in your community Sheila Baker? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.
High School Sophomore Dedicates Her Time to Local Hospital
For the past year, 14-year-old Tanya Mehta has been a regular volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The dedicated high school sophomore is passionate about volunteering, serving others, and is a strong believer in community service. The High Honor Roll student has accumulated over 150 volunteer hours at St. Luke’s Hospital while volunteering with other organizations throughout her community as well.
At St. Luke’s Hospital, Tanya’s volunteer duties vary from day to day. Some days she can be found helping discharge patients, restocking supplies, or putting together charts and packets. Other days Tanya’s duties may include transporting various items to different locations within the hospital, greeting patients and visitors, and providing patient information.
Tanya is also a member of the Hindu Temple Society Youth Association, where she has led various initiatives and helped with fundraising events. Tanya is committed to making a difference in her community and is today’s Daily Point of Light Award honoree. Points of Light spoke with Tanya about her commitment to service.
What inspires you to volunteer?
Putting a smile on someone’s face can make that person’s day. It’s just the small things in life that makes things better and inspire me every day. Through example and upbringing, my family has instilled in me the importance of helping others and giving back to the community.
Describe your volunteer role.
I am a Junior Volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital, Allentown PA. I volunteer every week at the hospital for few hours. Caring and delivering acts of kindness is my duty. Whether it is labeling charts, greeting patients, making beds, giving them a warm blanket or discharging patients, I do whatever the nursing or administrative staff needs to make patients and their families feel informed and comfortable. Other times I’m connecting them with another person, or just simply listening when someone needs to talk.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
Volunteering at St. Luke’s Hospital has become the best part of my week. I look forward to making a difference, no matter how small of a contribution it is. I’ve learned so much about the medical field from different departments, but the most essential part of my experience has been to appreciate and practice medical professionalism. It has allowed me to meet physicians, nurses, and other medical staff who gave me more information about working in the medical field. This type of exposure is hard to find, especially for a High School student and I am truly thankful to all the volunteer coordinators for making this program possible!!!
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
Volunteering in all shapes and forms strengthens our communities, brings people together and provides us with valuable experiences and insights. The chance to volunteer changes everything in one’s life and it has given me the opportunity to make better life choices, and selfishly, when I give my time and energy to others, I just feel better — about myself and my community.
Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?
I am excited to continue my volunteer role at St. Luke’s Hospital. I’d like to do more befriending – which means sitting with and speaking to patients and elderly people who are without visitors. I am also looking forward to volunteering for American Cancer Society and Alzheimer’s Association this coming year. I also mentor middle school students and volunteer for local Youth associations.
Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?
In our lifetime, we get help from so many folks and take advantage of all the great opportunities they have created in sports, music, and education. Everyone is obligated to contribute to continuous enrichment of society. Deep down inside, we all want to feel that we have given back to the society that has nurtured our growth and can help others. This sense of commitment to others through voluntary efforts gives meaning and purpose in our lives.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
As busy as life can be, it can seem hard to find the time to volunteer. I would recommend volunteering to anyone with an interest in making a difference. Your emotional awareness increases, your care and consideration for others is awakened and you are exposed to new and different people. It will help you grow as a person and provide great happiness & fulfillment.
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Tanya Mehta? Visit All for Good for local volunteer opportunities.
California Teen Helps Raise Awareness and Funds to Counter World Water Crisis
17-year-old Grace Dennis is entering her senior year of high school at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Orange County, California and has been passionate about helping the environment and enriching her community since she was very young. Grace began her volunteer service work when she was in the fifth grade after being introduced to Students for Safe Water, an organization that raises awareness and funds to counter the world water crisis.
Grace and her brother established a recycling program at St. John’s Episcopal School. They placed collection bins around the campus and helped educate others about the water crisis, organized a fundraising campaign to help build clean water wells and hygiene stations in Latin America and Africa.
In the past eight years Grace’s role and involvement with Students for Safe Water has grown and allowed her to create a bigger impact in her community and for those in need of clean water in many areas of the world. Grace is a member of Lion’s Heart –Teen Volunteers and Leaders, a national nonprofit which connects 6th-12th grade students with local service opportunities, and is today’s Daily Point of Light Award honoree. Points of light spoke with Grace about her work with Students for Safe Water and her commitment to service.
What inspires you to volunteer?
For as long as I can remember, the message in my home has always been to do all the good that you can, when you can, for all you can. My desire to contribute to a greater good, to be a force for good in the world is why I am drawn to service.
Describe your volunteer role.
Combatting the world water crisis and protecting the world’s natural resources are passions of mine and where I devote the vast majority of my volunteer service. I have been a member of the youth advisory board for the non-profit Students for Safe Water for the past seven years. I work to educate and inspire young people, raise awareness about the world water crisis, and raise crucial funds that allows Students for Safe Water to build clean water well, latrines, hygiene stations, and support reforestation efforts in Latin America and Africa. Additionally, I am the founder and manager of the recycling program at St. John’s Episcopal School. Over the past eight years, I have raised over $5000 with 100% of the proceeds directly donated to Students for Safe Water, and prevented over 2,500 pounds of waste from filling our landfills and polluting our oceans. Finally, I am the founder and president of the Students for Safe Water club at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. With membership of nearly 100 students, this club of motivated high school students organizes education and fund-drives throughout the school year.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing true and lasting change. Knowing that my actions, my efforts can impact someone else’s life and allow them to live healthier and happier is almost indescribable.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
As a young volunteer, I learned how small things, small efforts can lead to big change. You don’t have to invent something dramatic, have great experience or vast amounts of money to affect change. When one person decides to give their time and their heart, amazing things will happen.
Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?
I am very excited about partnerships with our NGO’s this year to continue progress on larger clean water project builds in Rwanda and Nicaragua. As a senior in high school, I’m looking forward to leading my fellow SFSW Club members in a Crush-the-Crisis campus recycling and fund drive while also making decisions about college where I will pursue opportunities to expand my mission and discover even greater service experiences!
Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?
Growing up in Orange County, California, I have been blessed with so many privileges that most never receive. It is important to use the opportunities you are given to not only help yourself, but help others around you. I truly believe that we are all in this life and in this world together. We must see and feel other people’s struggles as our own, we share the same planet, we must care for it as we hope it will care for us. I simply think its important to care.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
I hope anyone reading my story knows that they are powerful and that they are someone that can do good. I was young when I started emptying and sorting recycling bins. I never would have thought trash could make such a difference. Look around, there is always something bigger, just go for it!
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Grace Dennis? Visit All for Good for local volunteer opportunities!
Young Scientist Unites Creativity and Innovation with Lead Detection Device
Gitanjali Rao, a current seventh grader at STEM School Highlands Ranch in Denver, Colorado, was appalled after learning about the Flint Water Crisis, where dangerous levels of lead in the water affected thousands across Michigan. Upon researching more about the aftermath of the crisis and learning that it still remains a major issue in our nation, she set out to create a nanotube sensor device to equip and empower every household to test their water.
There was nothing that would hinder the dream and determination of this 12- year-old. The goal of Gitanjali’s invention, Tethys, was to make testing water convenient and simple for every family around the globe. After several brainstorm sessions, market analysis and scientific research, Gitanjali reached out to several industry leaders for insight. With the help of Denver Waters Research Lab, she was able to see her vision come to life.
Five versions of Tethys later, Gitanjali’s passion for her invention has not changed. Her discovery is endless with every new experimentation and development phase, and she has the ability to see a new version as an exhilarating challenge instead of a failure.
“Never be afraid to fail no matter what it is you’re doing or creating. It’s just another step to success. Whatever the passion, I can do it. We can do it. Everyone can do it,” said Gitanjali. “The finished product you create is going to be far better than what you initially imagined.”
Outside of the research lab, Gitanjali spends a significant amount of time inspiring other youth in the Denver, Colorado area to get involved in global water quality issues. Her school club, River Watch, is actively testing water samples around the school grounds. She believes that awareness goes hand in hand with innovation and discovery. One of her favorite parts of her journey has been speaking to other kids and teens. She also speaks in innovation forums, school assemblies and writes articles for newspapers in her community. “It’s my job to communicate this movement,” said Gitanjali. “My device is collectively bringing together passionate people. We’re creating a ripple effect.
Despite media attention and professional support, Gitanjali remains exceptionally humble. She faces the world with an enthusiastic desire to continue learning, both scientifically and personally.
“I’ve learned so many things. Definitely on the invention side, but I’ve also learned that I am capable of doing things like this. From the beginning I was skeptical, I didn’t know if it was going to work. I was just 11, and I was supposed to create this functioning device that would be taken around the world? My initial reaction was no. It was so hard. But it was something I wanted to do, people needed me. So I just went for it.”
When asked about her dream for Tethys, Gitanjali expressed that she wants every place that uses water for consumption to have a device on hand and to understand the importance of testing water. Her dream also incorporates a corresponding app for her device, one that would send users instant results of their water tests. She also believes that using community water facilities to give out Tethys can get it under the roof of everyone’s home.
For Gitanjali, every day is a surprise. What’s next for this seventh grader besides perfecting her device? Participating in a 3D printing hack-a-thon and an innovation workshop in the Denver learning center. Whatever it is she may be doing, she is leaving traces of joy and inspiration, paths that people of any age will follow and marvel at.
San Antonio Woman Gives of Her Time to Help Fight Homelessness
San Antonio resident, Susan Flores, began her volunteer journey at Haven for Hope in 2017. Every week Susan donates more than 45 hours to the organization whose mission is to offer a place of hope and new beginnings by providing, coordinating and delivering an efficient system of care for people experiencing homelessness in Bexar County. The 70-year-old provides a helping hand to the Volunteer Services team by serving in many roles. Susan is the very first person that individuals encounter at Volunteer Center located at the front of the Haven for Hope campus.
Susan is able to speak from experience regarding every opportunity to volunteer because she has served in every area of the campus from assisting the development team with donor recognition and special events to providing comfort to individuals experiencing homelessness by giving her undivided attention through active listening.
“Susan is a model volunteer who has given back to our organization more than she may ever know,” says DJ Jackson, Volunteer Manager at Haven for Hope, “she carries herself with such grace and humility that is unmatched while donating nearly 2,000 service hours within a year.” Susan is making a difference in her community and is today’s Daily Point of Light Honoree. Points of Light spoke with Susan about her commitment to service.
What inspires you to volunteer?
In volunteering, I find that the world has so much need and yet we also have so much to give…globally. It is my opinion, that if each of us would do what we are able to, then many of our worldwide problems and issues would indeed be eliminated.
Diverse as the needs are, so is the ability for us, as a collective, to overcome those needs. We can meet them; we have the abilities.
In my case, I am a communicator. I love to talk, to learn, and to exchange opinions and ideas with others. I have the good fortune to sit at the front desk of the Volunteer Office, here at Haven for Hope. Because of its location on the campus, it is naturally located to meet those incoming people, whether they are a visiting dignitary or a young parent and her children struggling with homelessness. As I help them in coming to Haven, I feel comfortable in relating with and meeting their initial needs while directing them further into that which is Haven.
Describe your volunteer role.
At my desk, I greet, direct and answer questions for each person who enters. I also do a variety of clerical items, sometimes play the “gopher”, and do miscellaneous elementary art projects and various other things that need to be done but have no staff to attend to them.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work, (if I can separate any part of Haven) is when I am able to help any of our members or guests in solving a problem, no matter how big or small. Homelessness is a very traumatic experience for anyone who might be experiencing it, and know that it could happen to any one of us, at any unexpected time. Thus, to be kind and helpful might seem like a small thing, but to someone in stress it can be just the thing that will soothe their psyche and spirit, even for just a little while, and give them some relief. To smile, say “hello” and chat for a few minutes is uplifting for me, and hopefully it can be a pleasant divergence for those here at Haven.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
Being a volunteer, I have many people stop and thank me for my service. I certainly do understand what they are saying to me, but much of the time, after saying “thank you” to them, I also say that it is I who should be saying “thank you” for all that it means to be a volunteer. Being here at Haven “feeds my soul”. It is humbling. It has made me aware of the importance of being humane. I have been shown how all of us are kindred spirits, that everyone has value and it takes so little to give so much. Of course, I have always known these human values, but until actually physically making a commitment and working as a volunteer, I never had known the humbling power of helping others. I feel that all fields of volunteering have the same beneficial effect for those who serve in them…so whatever the interest might be, that person becomes fulfilled in a similar way…thus, the working of the collective to mitigate the unmet needs of the world. It sounds grandiose, but we aim for the stars.
Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?
Every day here at Hope is exciting. At the Volunteer Center, anything can, and does happen. The most exciting time of year for everyone is rapidly approaching. Starting with Halloween…through Thanksgiving…and on to Christmas. It is the Holiday Season! Of course it is an annual event, but for us, focusing on donations and giving, it is the busiest and a most important time of year. With our large residential population, which includes families, the traditions of giving and celebrations are ongoing. We always have strong support from the community and the activity level at the center is quite high. We try to insure that every person and family has access to a Thanksgiving meal, and that all of the children here at Haven have a Merry Christmas. It may be a lot of work, but it is fun work…and really, what could be a better way to celebrate the Holidays?
Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?
Anyone who has the ability to donate some of their time will find that the rewards greatly outweigh the efforts. I realize that our lives have periods of extreme busyness, with children, families and careers. But many can find a few hours per week to serve, then as our domestic and career demands lessen, time becomes available for others. The warmth of doing something to help other people, beings and things is comforting. It truly does feed the soul and for me, it gives great hope for the future of humanity, for being human.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
It would give me great satisfaction to learn that sharing my joy and enthusiasm for volunteering might encourage others to do the same. The earth is our home. There is much to do to ensure her continued wellbeing and the wellbeing of the living things that share this space. We humans have the ability to help in a diverse way that can touch many issues facing today’s world. I would hope that these important issues would be among the knowledge that others might take away from my experience in volunteering.
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Susan Flores? Visit All for Good for local volunteer opportunities!
Florida Teen Helps Educate Others on Marine Life and Ocean Conservation
16-year-old Brianna Yanqui became a volunteer with The Florida Aquarium to learn about our coastal and marine environment, but she ended up finding a passion she did not know she had. The Riverview, Florida teen volunteers on a weekly basis at the aquarium assisting staff as they teach families about specific exhibits, pollution prevention, and marine life conservation.
Brianna is now part of the Teen Council at the aquarium, where she helps organize local beach cleanups for the community and assists in planning events for the aquarium. She is also applying to the World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council, which would allow her to continue working with youth around the world to promote the ocean’s safety and conservation.
Brianna’s hopes that through her passion and volunteerism she will be able to teach families about their local sea life and their role in protecting it. “If everyone became mindful of their trash when going on a picnic or to the beach and simply threw it away, there will be less waste in our oceans and we would not be seeing endangerment of so many species and their habitat,” says the teen. “With a little help from everyone, together we can protect our environment.” Brianna is making a difference in her community and is today’s Daily Point of Light Award honoree.
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Brianna Yanqui? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities
Former Police Captain Continues to Serve Her Community
After a 32-year career as a police officer with the Appleton Police Department, 69-year-old Kristen Larson-Smith, decided she was not ready to stop serving her community. For the past 7 years, Kristen volunteers on a weekly basis with her old department. Her experience and knowledge allows her to perform volunteer work no one else could. She conducts background checks for all of the licensed premise applicants. By doing so, she is using her expertise from 30+ years of police service to vet out potential behavior issues. Kristen is diligent in her volunteering, showing up week after week to scour through mountains of applicants and research each and every one. She is doing the community and the police officers that serve it a huge favor.
Kristen’s law enforcement background allows her to read lengthy reports from the law enforcement records systems and weed out what doesn’t belong, and also highlight any areas of concerns. “This impacts the safety of our community and is greatly appreciated. Kristen has an attention to detail like none other,” says Beth Jasiak, Appleton Police Department Assistant to Chief and Volunteer Program Coordinator. Kristen is making a difference in her community and is today’s Daily Point of Light Award honoree. Points of Light spoke with Kristen about her commitment to service.
What inspires you to volunteer?
I am motivated to volunteer after a 32-year career as a police officer with the Appleton Police Department starting as a patrol officer and retiring as a patrol Captain. I am aware of the multi-duties an officer performs everyday and if I am able to assist them with a project, it allows them to focus on their assignments.
Describe your volunteer role
My main role as a volunteer is to review all license applications that are processed through the City of Appleton departments. The police department’s responsibility is to run a background check on all application requests and either approve them or send them for additional review. My other duties include working our Pill Drops, and our yearly Brat Fry during Police Week. I also assist our department historian with online research of individuals who have served as officers since we were established in 1850.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is interacting with the other volunteers at the department. We have a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds who are talented and have an interest in serving the needs of the police department.
What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?
What I have learned is in how giving our volunteers are in any event or project they undertake for the department.
Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?
Communities are only stronger by the involvement of its citizens in the workings of the whole community. Knowledge and input are critical to address and solve problems that face every community.
What do you want people to learn from your story?
I believe people can learn from my story that it only takes simple acts of volunteerism to make a difference in our department and city. We all have two hands and with our hands we can accomplish anything. Your time commitment can be as much or as little as you choose. Find as interest and volunteer.
Do you want to make a difference in your community like Kristen Larson-Smith? Visit All for Good for local volunteer opportunities.
