April is National Volunteerism Month, and this means that those hard-working, selfless, take-nothing-in-return, big-hearted individuals get the recognition they deserve. Of course, they don’t do it for the glory, they do it because they want to help. The people and organizations that they help are grateful and they want to say thanks. So below I have compiled a list of thank-yous, shout outs, and words of appreciation from local organizations who get up close and personal with volunteerism every day.
Jacob’s Ladder Pediatric Rehab
“Jacob’s Ladder would like to highlight one of our all-star volunteers, Ruth Parks! Her service and dedication to our organization helps us to ensure that more children can receive their much needed therapy. Ruth runs our front desk several days a week and completes all of our appointment reminder calls. Every two hours volunteered saves Jacob’s Ladder enough money to subsidize one therapy session. Since Ruth started volunteering 7 years ago, she has racked up an AMAZING 3,750 hours of service. Even more touching are the relationships she has built with our children and families; they look forward to seeing her bright and smiling face each and every week which is PRICELESS! Thank you Ruth!” - Candace Arvin, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Jacob’s Ladder
Lubeznik Center for the Arts
“Our annual art festival is only possible because of the time and talent of our many volunteers - from the planning committee to individuals who help during the event weekend. Because Lubeznik Art & Artisan Festival is a major fundraiser for LCA, volunteers are key to the success of the event. Thank you!” - Amy Davis Navardauskas, Marketing Director for Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Rittenhouse Village at Valparaiso
“We have lots of volunteers in the area who deserve a thanks. We are holding our annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch for local volunteers on April 21 and we’d love to thanks as many as we can. It should be a great luncheon and an all-around feel good 'give back' to our local volunteers!” - Natalie Reisen, MBA Senior Lifestyle Counselor for Rittenhouse Village at Valparaiso
Life Care Center of the Willows
“We have a wonderful assortment of volunteers, some that come weekly to some that come monthly. Our weekly volunteers include: Tony, Judy, and Karen who help out with the activities and assist the residents one-on-one; We also have about four residents who volunteer daily doing things such as delivering the mail, helping in the dining room, making morning announcements, and doing our date board. Weekly as well is our St. Paul Nursing Home volunteers, Yolanda and Phyllis, who come in every Wednesday to serve communion and pray with the residents; St. Paul also volunteers their time with a Catholic Mass the 4th Wednesday of every month. The Jehovah's Witnesses also assist weekly with a Bible Study. Our volunteers bring so much fun and new things. For instance, we have a new volunteer, Matt, who volunteers his time by playing adventure games (such as Dungeons and Dragons) with one of our younger residents. We have the First Methodist Church that comes in bi-weekly for a church sing a long and we have Pastor Wilgus that comes in bi-weekly with church service. The LaCrosse Christian Church comes in every 2nd Sunday for services as well. Another fabulous volunteer service is our Boy Scouts of America that come in once a month to do Bingo with the residents. We appreciate all of the volunteers that assist in making our facility so wonderful for our residents and who put a smile on their faces.” - Robyn Rutar, Activities Director at Life Care Center of the Willows
Lupus Foundation of America
"We love our volunteers as they are one of the best ways we have of spreading awareness, educating the public about the difficult and complicated auto-immune disease that is Lupus, and making all of our fundraising efforts successful. We cannot express how thankful we are for them and all they have done for our local Chapter. Our volunteers have assisted with office work, reaching out to past supporters, doing behinds-the-scenes work, leading support groups as trained facilitators, and spread awareness about lupus at outside events." - Morgan McGill, Lupus Foundation of America
Opportunity Enterprises
"We regularly say with passion and enthusiasm that OE volunteers are the BEST! They go above and beyond our expectations in effort, dedication, time, flexibility, and arrive ready to take on whatever tasks we have – all while maintaining a smile. They truly model the best characteristics of a volunteer and that has a direct, positive impact on our clients. It’s a win-win for everyone and our clients reap all of the benefits!" - Natalie Krivas, PR-Events Specialist Opportunity Enterprises
Taltree Arboretum & Gardens
“Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, like most non-profit organizations, relies on the committed support of our volunteers most every day. Taltree has plenty of opportunities for volunteers to get involved. Many volunteers opt to get their hands dirty on the more than 330-acres of formal gardens, woodlands, wetlands, oak preserve and prairies to maintain. Others opt to care for our animals while some donate their time to assisting with educational programs and cultural events." - Lauri Keagle, Marketing Manager for Taltree Arboretum & Gardens
Kids Alive International
“Kids Alive volunteers are fantastic! They come with hearts to serve and are ready to help with extra projects at a moment’s notice. We couldn’t do it without them.” - Randy Hall, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Kids Alive International
Visiting Nurses Association
“The VNA is blessed with an exceptional core of nearly 400 volunteers! Thanks to them, VNA Hospice, VNA Meals on Wheels, Lifeline and the VNA Phoenix Center programs are available to those in need of help and support in our community. From singing in the choir, answering phones and delivering a hot meal to a lonely senior to holding the hand of a dying patient or mentoring a child grieving the loss of a loved one – VNA volunteers are making a difference in the lives of people all over our community." - Maria Galka, Director of Development
NorthShore Health Centers
“NorthShore Health Centers would like to send a special shout out to the Portage High School ROTC Boosters. NorthShore has had young men and women from the PHS ROTC Boosters volunteer at our community events and they were such an important asset in making the events run smoothly. From manning the parking lot to crowd control at the bouncy houses, they were polite, patient, and professional. Thank you for donating your time. We definitely appreciate you!” - Tricia A. Hall, Director of Marketing & Patient Relations for NorthShore Health Centers