Inspired by Her Grandmother’s Message of Generational Excellence, Maryland Woman Serves Community

It was at the tender age of 10-years-old, according to Adrienne Somerville, that between drinking tea and playing jacks, her grandmother taught her the importance of greatness. It was a turning point, Adrienne says, in understanding what traits and skills she wanted to emulate in her life. As her grandmother, Carolyn E. Parker taught her, ‘You are great. And greatness can never be contained.’

Launching the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation in 2013, Adrienne says she had achieved the traditional idea of success within her career and life, but realized she could offer more to her community. Evaluating her community needs, the 46-year-old Hughesville, Maryland resident says there were many holes that needed to be filled, and she realized she could make a difference in many lives instead of narrowing her focus. Adrienne has worked to help the homeless, vulnerable girls and boys, women and their careers, and the cause perhaps closest to her heart: Alzheimer’s research, the disease which took her beloved grandmother.

Tapping into her own retirement savings to establish the foundation, fundraising over $13,000 thus far, and helping hundreds in the community, Adrienne, who is a supervisory logistics manager for the Navy’s Commander Fleet Readiness in addition to her volunteerism, has becoming a servant leader to help many in her community, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Adrienne to learn more about her work with the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation.

Tell us about the namesake for your foundation, Carolyn E. Parker.

(Laughs). She was mentorship before mentoring was a thing. She would have been my mentor. The summer I spent with her as a 10-year-old in Norfolk, Virginia, we had many quiet, valuable conversations. She would tell me, ‘Remember, you are great. And remember that greatness can never be contained.’ Even today, I’ll tell people, you’ll run into different situations, but remember, you’re better than that, because you’re great. And greatness can never be contained. We lost my grandma too soon to Alzheimer’s. As part of our foundation’s work, I’ve been able to help with research. Back when she was fighting the disease, some of us were in denial and some of us just thought it was normal for her age. Since then, I’ve been able to donate quite a bit of money to Alzheimer’s research.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I’ve always been a volunteer, even at work for different tasks. My grandmother taught me early on what you do for yourself, you must do for others. If she bought one pair of socks, she bought two pairs because she knew it was a matter of time before someone else would need them. I’ve gotten through some of the toughest times in my life by focusing on others.

Describe your volunteer role with the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation:

As president, I am making contacts with other community leaders, school officials, women groups and others about events and requirements in the community. We are continuously working to find the void in our community and see how the foundation can be leveraged to fill in those voids.

Talk to me about some of your foundation’s projects.

• Project Warm: We’ve donated blankets and backpacks to over 200 homeless individuals starting in our immediate local community, all the way to the streets of Washington D.C., including in front of the White House.
• Project Cinderella: We have given out more than 500 dresses that serve as a symbol of the success of young girls, reminding them they are beautiful inside and out.
• Men Make a Difference: We’ve reached over 125 boys across local high schools to talk about mentorship, respect for authority, respect for women, goals, and academic excellence.
• Dining Like Divas: An event where an etiquette professional speaks with our young girls about protocol.
• Meditation in Stillness: A program all about self-restraint and self-control.
• Self-defense courses

‘Legacy Leadership’ and ‘Generational Excellence’ are two themes you’ve discussed with me. How can you inspire others to grow into this kind of leadership, particularly children?

My advice to a young person is, first: Understand that there’s no waste or missed opportunities in the world. You have a gift, even if you haven’t identified what that gift is just yet. You go from good to great in this world by multiplying your gift and then sharing it with others. When you share your gift, the people you share it with will also be inclined to give back. In this way, for generations to come, the goodness you have and greatness you share will be replicated.

What’s your message to adults who have the time to give back?

Look within your community to see where some of the gaps are. Where can you get involved? Even if it’s not a long-term commitment. Maybe just help out at your local school, or food pantry, or even just participate in a walk. When you learn what’s going on in your community, and you find out where you can best lend a hand to support.

You have a full-time job that you travel for, in addition to running this foundation. How do you do it all?

Be committed and have sustainable energy. Anyone who knows me knows I could get 3 hours of sleep, but you’d never know it. When it’s in your heart and in your core, you find the energy and the time to do it. That’s been my commitment. I don’t disappoint and I rise to any calling.

What future events do you have coming up that you’re excited about?

We are hosting a women’s expo this March in recognition of Women’s History Month. It’ll be an a “living room casual” conversation centered around relationships, career, health, goals and aspirations. Our goal: to lift each other up! Please check our website for more information: https://carolyneparkerfoundation.org.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Adrienne Somerville? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

New York Woman Is 24-hr Lifeline for Abuse Victims

Sahar Rizvi describes her 16 hour shifts as “another level” of volunteering – a kind of service filled with emotion, concern, thankfulness and relief.

As a metaphorical lifeline for abuse victims, Sahar is a Victims Assistance Services volunteer for the Westchester Community Opportunity Program (WestCOP). The 33-year-old Elmsford, New York resident is trained as a rape crisis counselor, but she is able to provide abuse victims with support, information and validation during their darkest moments, before connecting them with an advocate who can provide additional resources. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, WestCOP’s Victims Assistance Services help any adult, teen or child affected directly or indirectly by abuse of any kind through free, comprehensive and compassionate services. Their mission: to provide former victims the opportunity to regain a sense of dignity and wholeness.

Working to end violence through education, advocacy and public awareness, Sahar is doing her part as a volunteer for abuse victims, their families, friends and loved ones, and is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Sahar to learn more about her work with WestCOP.

Describe your volunteer role with WestCOP:

I started volunteering with WestCOP in 2017. As I work a 5 p.m. – 9 a.m. shift, I provide the individuals who call us with as much information as possible until the next business day when they can be connected with more resources. The victim will call the main line, and the call will be relayed to my phone. The individual can can provide their information or remain completely anonymous. I’ve had shifts where I get calls every hour, and some shifts where I don’t get any. The service is available to any victims in the Westchester, New York area, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How do these calls work? Who calls in?

My first priority is to listen to the caller and see how I can help. Sometimes people are calling in the middle of the night because they’re experiencing PTSD from a traumatic event. Some people are calling because the incident just occured, and they’re upset and crying. Some may already be receiving counseling, but they just need someone to listen to them. Once I’ve been able to get information from the caller, an advocate is assigned to them, and that advocate is able to provide help through federal funding which include legal resources, therapy, even resources if the individual is forced to miss work. Many people – and I included myself in this before I started volunteering with WestCOP – have no idea that making that one call can start the healing process. 

What’s it like to be on the other end of the phone with someone who is desperate for help?

You want to make sure the person knows you are there to listen and help. I can’t say ‘I understand how you feel’, but the one thing I say to people is, ‘you are right in how are you feeling’, and I think that helps lots of people. It’s validation for them, where they might be experiencing some victim blaming, whether it’s at the hospital or police station. I also tell them this situation is not their fault, and it’s not justified in any shape or form. At the end of the conversation, it may be hitting this individual that they haven’t shared this story with anyone else in their life, but there’s someone on the other end of the phone who is now aware of what they are going through. The tone at the end of the call is a feeling I didn’t anticipate, you are relieving their burden to a certain degree.

Describe your inspiration behind volunteering.
I’d volunteered for the Red Cross and at my local hospital in high school, but this role at WestCOP was the first opportunity where I was able to work one on one with the individual I was directly helping. What makes me look forward to the days I am on call is that you are their point of light. I’ve been on a conversation where I feel hopeless and feel like I’m not doing anything, but the person on the other line is still thankful, and they breathe a sigh of relief. I’m grateful for those moments.

You first spotted this opportunity at your workplace. Explain.

I work in the pharmaceutical industry, at a company called Regeneron. I actually went to work for them in part because of their community spirit. There was an announcement for help needed at WestCOP in our lobby at work, which is how I first found the volunteer role. My company holds an annual “Day for Doing Good” event, of which I have been the project lead for the past two years. Our leadership puts their money where their mouth is when it comes to allowing employees to participate in community service events.

What’s one thing you want readers to take away from your service?

A lot of people don’t know about these services. I want to shed light on this volunteer work and raise awareness so that we can recruit more volunteers.

How can someone help WestCOP?

You can register for a free 10 week training that includes VAS Volunteer Helpline Counselor and/or Hospital Advocate training in addition to DOH Certified Rape Crisis Counselor training. Visit their website for more information: http://westcop.org/home/volunteer/.

Some numbers that describe WestCOP’s impact:

• Number of victims using the helpline: 430
• Number of sexual assault-related calls on the helpline: 314
  • Approximately 73% of calls are related to sexual assault
•  Accompaniments in local hospital ERs: 85

What future events do you have coming up that you’re excited about?

Check WestCOP’s website for more information about how you can help: http://westcop.org/home/volunteer/.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Sahar Rizvi? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Florida Teen Shares her Love for Stuffed Animals With Children in Emergencies

Her first love, according to 15-year-old Jamie Cohen, was a big elephant named Ellie, a stuffed animal she received as a child. The Davie, Florida teen has always loved stuffed animals and the joy and comfort they provide as toys, but as a 5th grader, she decided she wanted to do good with them.

She’s been able to do just that, serving as the president of the South Florida chapter of Stuffed Animals for Emergencies, an organization that provides comfort to children in traumatic or emergency situations through donations of stuffed animals, blankets, books, children’s clothes and baby items. From her home, Jamie manages the collection, counting, cleaning and distribution of gently used stuffed animals that are sent to children in the midst of stressful situations in South Florida and elsewhere.

Collecting over 4,000 stuffed animals in the last five years and volunteering up to 15 hours each month to make a difference in people’s lives, Jamie is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Jamie to learn more about her work with SAFE.

Describe your volunteer role with SAFE:

I am the president of the South Florida chapter of SAFE. The nonprofit has about 5 chapters across the country, so I end up doing volunteer work for South Florida, but receive emails from people up and down the East Coast. I’ve managed donations from New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia. I will invite my friends to volunteer with me and sort the stuffed animal donations, as our school requires that we have completed at least 120 hours of volunteering by the time we graduate.

What inspires you to volunteer?
When I was younger, I used to do a bunch of little volunteer jobs. An example, we’d save up all the backpacks we’d used in our family and received as donations from my friends, and hold a backpack drive. We’d give the backpacks to underprivileged children in the area. All those little volunteer drives were fun for me, because I know I’m making a difference in someone else’s life. I’m involved in six extracurricular clubs in high school, and I volunteer at least once every other weekend for SAFE or another organization.  I have a great feeling after I’m volunteering because I’ve made an impact in someone else’s live.

Walk me through the process. How do you get from the initial donation to distribution of the stuffed animals?

We receive the stuffed animal donations at my dad’s office. We’ll usually wait until we get to about 200 stuffed animals or so, and then we count all of them. It might take 2 hours or more to count that amount, so sometimes I’ll ask friends over to my house to help me. We clean the stuffed animals in our washing machine. Some donated stuffed animals aren’t in good condition, so those get thrown away. For distribution, we’ll either drive the stuffed animals to local organizations we work with, or the stuffed animals are picked up at our home.

Tell me about some of the organizations who are able to use your stuffed animals.

One organization we’ve donated to is Big Mama, the stuffed animals are sent to places like homeless shelters, where there are children in need. Hospitals require that the stuffed animals we send them are completely new, so when we receive a donation of new stuffed animals, we’re able to send them to a local children’s hospital, or an organization that helps children like Ronald McDonald’s.

You’ve collected thousands of stuffed animals. Share some funny donation stories with me.

We’ve received some really, really big stuffed animals – like human-sized. One time I opened a box, and someone sent 3 stuffed animals in this huge box, and they were all individually wrapped. People do this all the time, but it’s really not necessary to wrap stuffed animals. One time I received a box of really, really tiny stuffed animals. They were way smaller than Beanie Babies. Sometimes people send stuffed animal clothing without animals (laughs).

What’s your favorite stuffed animal?

I have a few stuffed animals around my house that I love. In particular, I love this little pig I’ve had for five years named Mr Bacon, I’ve had him since I started working with SAFE. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve donated a lot of animals. There are certain ones you keep because you have a connection to them, and that’s why I volunteer, because I want to provide that connection that I have to these stuffed animals to other children in need that we are donating to.

You volunteer with other organizations beyond SAFE. Tell me about that.

I’ve started an non-profit organization called Peace, Love, Smile that is designed to help others in our community through kindness, cooking and more. My goal is to put a smile on someone’s face by sharing love and spreading peace throughout the community. One of our projects is called Peace Love Eat, I work with Children’s Harbor of South Florida to teach young girls battling illness how to cook. We’ve also held stuffed animal drives through another project, Peace Love Comfort, and have donated stuffed animals to churches throughout Romania.

You’re already a very busy teen. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a psychologist when I grow up. I really like helping people. I’ve always seen myself as someone who gives good advice. Through my volunteering, I enjoy helping people and solving problems.

What’s one thing you want readers to take away from your service?
it’s very easy to make a difference in someone’s life. Being able to be the South Florida chapter president for SAFE, I’ve been able to see the differences we are making. It’s very impactful and I’ve learned so much from the role. Anyone can start a non-profit, and I’d encourage them to choose a pursuit that is based off of something they love. The people that I know that have been the most successful have started a non-profit based off of their passion.

What future events do you have coming up that you’re excited about?

We always welcome stuffed animal donations. Please check our website for more information about how you can help: https://stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org/.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Jamie Cohen? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

7-Year-Old Bookworm Shares Love for Reading and Promotes Literacy with ‘Beckham’s Bookshelf’

As a toddler, Beckham Oldenettel would watch from the hallway as donations poured into the Oldenettel household in Jacksonville, Illinois. Beckham’s older brother collects socks for people in need, and boxes and boxes of socks carried by people who wanted to give back would show up at the front door. Without fail, 3-year-old Beckham would ask the do-gooders where their donated books were, as he was collecting books for kids! The problem? Beckham’s mom, Lori, would be laughing and shaking her head behind her youngest, saying that no, the family had not launched an organization for donated books. Until Beckham changed that.

Now a 7-year-old, the youngest of four boys in the Oldenettel family has collected over 7,000 books since launching Beckham’s Bookshelf, an organization that collects donated books and distributes them to children who do not have books in their home. Connecting with local businesses and schools, Beckham solicits and then sorts, organizes, boxes and delivers donated books to various sites to ensure they are placed in the hands of children in need.

Promoting literacy and putting the power of stories into the hands of children who most need them, Beckham is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Beckham and his mom, Lori, to learn more about his work with Beckham’s Bookshelf.

Describe your volunteer role with Beckham’s Bookshelf:

Beckham: We put out collection boxes, but we also get boxes and boxes of books at our front door. We want to make sure the books get into the hands of kids, and not sit on bookshelves. My family helps me to sort, organize, box and deliver books to the places we donate to.

Lori: At the age of 3, Beckham knew we had lots of books in our household and lots of books to share, and knew there were other children not as fortunate. He wanted to give back and help those children.

What are some of the organizations you’ve worked with?

Beckham & Lori: We’ve donated books to area schools, local daycares, various church mission groups, and have partnered with other organizations including: Morgan County Health Department, Faith Lutheran Church – Prison Ministry Program, New Directions Warming & Cooling Shelter, St. John’s Children’s Hospital, Springfield, Ronald McDonald House, Springfield, Spirit of Faith After School Program, Jacksonville Public Library – Mobile Summer Library. For the mission groups, we gave them small books in backpacks they are able to travel with.

Beckham, what’s your favorite book?

Beckham: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney. I just started the series. I always read chapter books with my mom and dad. I like reading because it feels like I’m learning.

Lori: We read every night before bed. The boys have also gotten into books on tape.

What inspires Beckham to volunteer?
Lori: As a family, we volunteer together. It’s what we do in our free time. On a recent Saturday, I asked the boys if they wanted to go to St. Louis for an adventure, and they said, ‘we should go pick up trash, we haven’t done that recently.’ We all embrace the spirit of volunteerism.

Lori, explain why getting children involved in service at a young age is important to you:

Lori: It’s contagious. Their friends live to do what they’re doing. We’ve been able to get their friends and parents involved with volunteering as a result. Believe it or not, children have great ideas about how to engage in volunteerism because they’re unlimited by their imagination.

In today’s world, how do you discuss community and service with your young children?

Lori: We talk about community and the need to get involved all the time with our kids. We tell them, if you see a need, fill a need. Don’t always assume someone else is going to do it. It can be simple – when we go to the park, we each have to pick up three pieces of trash. We live our lives being courteous, kind and helpful.

How are these donated books helping kids?

Lori: We work with one principal who uses the books as incentives when she catches the kids in her hallways practicing good behavior, or being a positive role model. Some of the children that have the greatest need really need positive reinforcement, and those are the kids she is able to identify and connect with. An English language specialist has given us lots of feedback about how kids are excited to know they have their very own book, especially if there’s impoverishment or low literacy in the home.

What’s one thing you want readers to take away from your service?
Beckham: You have to get focused on something where you see a need, and get started on it.

Lori: We started out pretty small. Beckham’s older brother Kellon received 10,000 socks in five years through his organization, Kellon’s Sock Drawer. Our approach: Start little, make your service manageable and meaningful. From our experience, people will embrace your good work, and support you. Our success is due to community support, and people believing in kids and wanting to support and nurture their service efforts.

Describe a special event you’ve hosted that really made an impact in children’s lives.

Lori: In the past, we’ve partnered with a local college and hosted a “Read across Jacksonville” day on Dr. Seuss’ birthday in March. Each child involved is read a book by a college student, and every child gets to pick a book and keep it to take home. We can distribute up to 700 books just on that one day.

What future events do you have coming up that you’re excited about?

For information about future events and how you can help, please email us at: [email protected].

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Beckham Oldenettel? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Florida Woman Helps Spread Kindness

When Sharri Cagle’s son came home on a Thursday night wanting to do something to help a fellow student who needed a heart transplant, Sharri did not hesitate to jump at the chance to help. Sharri’s family, friends and community came together, build a lemonade stand and helped raise $2,000.  That is how Keys to Kindness was born.

Keys to Kindness, an organization in Odessa, Florida, seeks to connect the community for Kindness. In 2016, it kicked off the Kindness campaign in the Odessa community and shared 2016 acts of Kindness. Volunteers of all ages placed K2K Kind Keys throughout their community and shared kindness.

Today the organization helps facilitate and host fundraisers for various causes in their community, implement Kind Campus Programs in schools and for businesses. They provide community service opportunities for youth, Summer Kind Camp for kids, and Student Internship Program for middle school and high school students. The organization also recognizes acts of kindness in their community through the Community Kind Key.

Sharri Cagle is committed to making a difference in her community and is today’s Daily Point of Light Award Honoree. Points of Light spoke with Sharri to learn more about her commitment to service.  

What inspires you to volunteer? 

Knowing I am helping others and teaching my kids the importance of giving back.  Knowing I am using the gifts God gave me and that I want to be a light for Him.

Describe your volunteer role.

I help connect the community to share and encourage kindness through events, fundraisers, and schools campuses.  I helped create the Keys to Kindness Kind Key to recognize individuals or businesses sharing kindness. 

I support and bring others together for community kind causes; such food drives, families in need, community members with illnesses, supply drives for homeless, veterans, and school supplies. 

Keys to Kindness has opened a gift store, which also serves as a gathering place for groups to meet such as special need kids, Veterans, widows, and school kids. Knowing they have a safe place to come and gather and buy or make meaningful gifts.

What has been the most rewarding part of your work?

Providing opportunities for kids and elders together to share kindness and making a difference in our community. Having my own kids right by my side volunteering and creating Kind Campus Programs for schools.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer? 

Volunteering is needed and makes a difference. When you give, you get more back.  Volunteering can change your perspective and help you focus on the needs of others instead of negativity in your life.  We need to give our youth more opportunities to serve others and schools should make it more of a priority for ALL students.

Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about? 

We will be hosting Summer Camp and Internships for Middle School and High School students. We have a monthly drive for Kind causes in the community. We will also be holding a food drive twice this year for a local food Pantry. We will also be continuing and working on growing our Kind Campus Program.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

They learn the needs of others and can step outside themselves.  It’s touches hearts and is good for the soul.   When we have opportunities for our youth to serve good comes out of it and there is less of a chance for them to get in trouble.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

Kindness touches the heart of the giver and receiver. The simplest act of kindness makes a big difference. Make sharing kindness and volunteering a staple in families and communities.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Sharri? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Pennsylvania Teen Raises Awareness for Heart Health

Each year in the United States, approximately 40,000 babies are born with a congenital heart defect, according to the Congenital Heart Public Health Consortium. Many require heart surgery to survive, and face a life-long risk of health problems. Kaeden James Rhodes, who underwent three open-heart surgeries before his first birthday, hasn’t let his heart challenges slow him down. Instead, they’ve inspired him to give back to his Lancaster, Pennsylvania community and everyone that has helped him be here today.

Now 16 years old, Kaeden is passionate about helping other children with heart defects and other life-threatening illnesses. Through his nonprofit, Kisses for Kaeden, the Pennsylvania teen rallies his community to raise funds for numerous organizations including the Children’s Miracle Network, the American Heart Association, and the Make a Wish Foundation. Kaeden brings together friends and classmates to help out with auctions and fundraisers, and invites local business owners to support through donations. In the past few years, Kisses for Kaeden has raised over $185,000 for children’s health. It’s easy to spot Kaeden at these fundraisers: selling baked goods and lemonade or washing cars–with a big smile on his face.

In addition to raising funds, Kaeden raises awareness about heart health. He serves as a youth advocate for the American Heart Association and the Children’s Miracle Network, speaking to groups and schools about his own heart journey and dressing as Spider Man to visit children in local hospitals.

Kaeden knows first-hand how scary it can be to be for kids in the hospital, so he collects stuffed animals to give to local ambulances. Hearing from the ambulance drivers how the children “go from scared and crying to feeling better when one of their stuffed friends is given to them is a really great feeling,” Kaeden says.

For Kaeden, being able to give back is one of the best parts of everything he does. “It’s really rewarding to see what an impact I make on others, like [how] I felt when different people helped me,” he says.

If there’s one thing that Kaeden would like others to learn from his story, it’s to always be kind to others, because you never know what they are going through.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Kaeden? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

“Scrappy” Volunteer Helps Forgotten Animals at Arizona Ranch

Ryan Stringham loves animals of all kinds, and because of his “scrappy” efforts, he’s helping to feed and care for the neediest of animals. 

At the Circle L Ranch Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, the 44-year-old Prescott, Arizona resident has seemingly found a sanctuary of his own. Volunteering since 2017, Ryan finds solace helping the various animals whose literal last hope is the ranch. Often on “kill lists”, the dogs, horses, sheep and more are sometimes a day away from euthanasia when saved by Circle L Ranch, whose mission is to protect, honor and serve animals of all kinds. Whether not suitable for adoption, or given up by individuals unable to care for them, Circle L Ranch relies on volunteers to share their love and time with the animals, Ryan being counted among their most dedicated. In addition to volunteering his time, Ryan gathers scraps for the animals from Natural Grocers in Prescott, seeks donations from the community and helps to facilitate adoptions for animals at the ranch.

Raising over $6,000 in 2018 and gathering over 1,000 pounds of donated produce each month, Ryan, who by day is a behavioral health tech for children in a group home, is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Ryan to learn more about his work with Circle L Ranch. 

What inspires you to volunteer?

I’ve always been around animals. I wanted to give back to the community, and also, the animals themselves are therapeutic for me. Circle L has over 200 animals, sheeps, goats, horses, donkeys. You can get your animal fix at the ranch.

Describe your volunteer role with Circle L Ranch.

I drive around for scraps to feed the animals, we receive donations from a local grocer. I use Facebook to find area companies, and I’ll ask them for donations for Circle L. I also help to put on adoptions for some of our animals so that they can find their forever homes.

Tell me about these scraps. What do the animals eat?

They eat everything that Natural Grocers sells that they don’t use. All organic vegetables and fruit, including lettuce, kale, tomatoes, watermelon, apples. The favorite scrap that everybody will take is carrots. That’s the one, even the picky animals will take the carrots.

How has volunteering with animals changed you?

It gives me a change from outside life, a break from other stuff going on in life. I’m able to give back which makes me feel good. Lastly, it’s calming to be around animals, and personally gives me a reset.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?  

Circle L is a non-profit, and so they need as much help as they can get. I’m one of many giving my time to help the ranch. Volunteering, you’re not just giving back, but it makes you feel good, and you start expanding your horizons. You get to meet more people that you normally wouldn’t have met. You open up another community.

Who is your favorite animal at the ranch?

Personally, the one that has had the most impact is Norm. He’s a therapeutic horse who lives at the ranch. At one point, I was bringing disabled clients I work with to the ranch, including a 4-year-old autistic boy. The boy really connected with Norm, and he was able to laugh in the moment with Norm. Norm still lives at the ranch, but he’s not wandering around like he used to be. Everybody knew him, he was kind of a celebrity.

What future events do you have coming up that you’re excited about?

Please check the Circle L Ranch for more information about events, and how you can help: http://www.circlel.org/new-event.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Ryan Stringham? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.

Caring for the Earth and Its Amphibians

As animal lovers go, Trinity Favazza isn’t your typical 11-year-old girl. Sure, she loves kittens and puppies – who doesn’t? But if you really want to see her eyes light up, start talking frogs, salamanders and toads.  Trinity is passionate about conservation and preserving and protecting amphibians is at the top of her list.  Curious about these critters since she was a little girl – her dad raises them, and her house is a safe place for wounded and displaced frogs – Trinity is often out exploring the ponds and lake shore near her home about 30 miles north of Detroit. A winning essay on conservation earned her the title of Mayor of Amphibiville for the Detroit Zoo, she passed a test to become a certified FrogWatch USA contributing field-data collector and she even contributes to Froglog Magazine. Now 11, Trinity received the 2018 President’s Environmental Youth Award for raising awareness for Michigan amphibian conservation. What does she love so much about amphibians?  “They are beautiful and interesting. I have a blue dart frog at home named Hopper – he’s my favorite. They may be small, but amphibians matter and deserve environmental kindness like every other creature.”

Trinity is committed to making a difference in her community and she is today’s Daily Point of Light Award honorees. Points of Light spoke with her about her commitment to service.

What inspires you to volunteer?

Ever since I was little, I’ve loved amphibians.  My dad does too, so I learned from him to be aware of protecting this species and being a good environmental steward. Every creature matters on this earth.

Describe your volunteer role.

I’m the youngest certified member for FrogWatch USA, and I’ve worked with them to raise awareness of amphibians and lobby against Senate Bill 316, which would repeal the ban on frog spearing.  In 2016, when I was nine, I won the Detroit Zoo’s bi-annual essay contest on Amphibian and became the Detroit Zoo’s first-female amphibian ambassador and mayor of Amphibiville! I won the contest again and am now in my second term, educating my classmates about amphibian conservation, promoting Earth Day, bringing frog-themed cupcakes to Shelby Police Department and helping to clean up local wetlands. I also created a painted Amphibian Rocks Campaign, which is a great way to illustrate all the different kinds of amphibians in the world.  I’ve also done a PSA for the zoo and been on some radio and TV programs.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? 

I really enjoy seeing our local wetlands get cleaner. And I was so excited to win the EPA Award and go to Washington DC for the first time last year, helping to bring amphibian conservation into the national spotlight in 2018.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I’ve learned all about different kinds of amphibians and how to help them. I’ve learned they are the most endangered species and also that they are an indicator species. That means that amphibians, which includes frogs, toads and salamanders, are sensitive to environmental change and when they are present it is an indicator about ecosystem health of streams and forests.

Are there any future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about?

I was so excited that our governor Rick Snyder adopted a proclamation I proposed to declare December 1-7 Amphibian Conservation Week, which happened for the first time in 2018 and will now always be celebrated. I’m also excited to be a guest contributor for Frog Log magazine.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back?

Because amphibians are a living animal and matter just as me and you.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

I wish for people to realize the importance of taking care of our environment and the animals within it. 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Trinity? Visit All for Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Husband Honors Wife’s Memory, Helps Others Battling Rare Cancer

It was the online discussion boards, a bright spot in a dark and confusing time, that became lifelines, Carl Scheitrum says. As his wife of 30 years battled a rare and aggressive cancer, one whose name: ‘cholangiocarcinoma’, Carl says he’d never even heard before his wife’s diagnosis, he desperately hunted answers and sought others with similar stories, pouring through the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s website at least every other day, trying to figure out what was next for his wife, and for him.

In July 2014, after losing his wife to cholangiocarcinoma, a bile duct cancer that about 8,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with each year according to the American Cancer Society, Carl knew there was more work to be done. Thinking back to CCF’s discussion boards, and how the foundation connected others affected by this rare disease, he realized there was a way to offer people more resources.

Helping CCF expand their online capabilities and identify new insights, all in the name of helping CCF uphold its mission to support basic research, clinical research and advocacy, Carl is today’s Daily Point of Light award honoree. Points of Light spoke to Carl to learn more about his work with CCF.

What inspires you to volunteer?
Volunteering is relatively new for me. I’d done local coaching at youth leagues and things like that, but volunteering for CCF was my first time serving with a major organization that really affects people.

Describe your volunteer role with CCF:

I started volunteering with CCF just as they were about to implement a new database, its core purpose to track donors and contributions. With my help, the database has expanded to not only house donor information, but it’s used to track all the people and entities who are involved with CCF. Bridging the gaps between the professionals involved with CCF – pharmaceutical reps, doctors, people in education, and those fighting the disease, the website is connecting the dots to help make the system stronger and yield more results in the fight against cholangiocarcinoma.

For those who have technical skills but aren’t sure how to start the conversation with organizations that need help, what’s your advice?

One of the things I pride myself in, I’m not an IT guy by trade. I’m a business process guy, with a learned IT background. If you want to get involved, at the outset, ask a couple questions about the process and what they’re trying to do, before you come in with a solution. Then, you can start looking at how you can fix the issue technically. Before we even started doing work, I worked with CCF to identify their goals and who would be using the technology. Instead of going in as a technical expert, ask how you can help the product or business.

CCF says your volunteer efforts have made a profound difference in the way they do business. What does it mean to hear that?

It’s very, very flattering. And as others would say, I didn’t start volunteering and say, ‘hey, I want all the glory’. What I wanted to do was help a tremendous organization and tremendous people. I’m truly honored to work with such a great group of people.

How has volunteering with CCF changed you?
I didn’t think I would have the immediate impact I did. But I fell right into a spot where I could greatly help. One of the major projects I worked on involved Facebook Fundraisers and Clinical Trial Databases, which makes it easier for patients to view clinical trials that may be better suited for their diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. To be able to pull out those insights, and provide information to help the organization, it’s frankly exciting that I could help that way.

Why do you think it’s important for others to give back? 

There’s two ways to look at things when a catastrophe hits like your wife dying. You can sulk and step away completely, and say, ‘I never want to hear the word cholangiocarcinoma again’. Or you can say, ‘I want to fix this because I never want another person to go through what she and I went through again’. I felt that I could provide help and assistance, and it would make me feel better than sitting around and pretending I didn’t ever want to hear about this disease again.

What would Lynn say to you about your efforts today?

Wow. She would be very, very proud of the work I’ve done. And frankly, I can see her sitting right next to me, and she would put a little more empathetic touch to some of my work (laughs). She was an amazing person, and she liked to get involved. She believed in volunteering. She would have been right at my side, and we would have found time to work at CCF together.

What future events do you have coming up that you’re excited about?

The month of February is Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month and Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Day is February 14, 2018. Check CCF’s website for more information on events, and how you can help: https://cholangiocarcinoma.org/get-involved-2/volunteer-program/

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Carl Scheitrum? Visit All For Good for local volunteer opportunities.

Post written by Marlena Militana.