Jennifer spends some time with military veterans and cherishes learning interesting stories from our nation’s history.

Your name: Jennifer http://facebook.com/Speedy128

Cause name: Honor Flight Network. All contact information is available on the network website. There is also a yahoo group which sends out regular updates on flights and volunteer opportunities

Cause website url: http://www.honorflight.org/

Date of your volunteer event: Volunteer opportunities occur weekly during the warm weather months in Washington DC.

Is this your first time volunteering with this cause? I have volunteered as a guardian with this group as well as with the Tennessee Valley Honor Flight (http://honorflight.net/index.html) which is no longer in operation.

1. I found out about this organization through my company. Upon signing up to be a Guardian for a day, we were given a brief training session on what to expect in terms of the needs of the veterans, the day’s schedule and how best to help ensure the overall experience was positive. In this case, each Guardian was assigned a Veteran and you spent the day with that guy. There are other opportunities for volunteering like meeting flights or being an additional support person for the day.

We met the flight of Honor Flight Veterans from Alabama at the airport. Hundreds of volunteers, airline employees and passengers waiting for flights greeted the guys at the gate waving flags and the USO had a swing band playing music. We spent the day touring the monuments of Washington DC and took part in special events at the World War II Memorial and at the Iwo Jima Memorial. I got to spend all day with my veteran and escort him back to the gate at the end of the day.

2.  I didn’t really know what to expect going into this the first time. The coordinators informed the Guardians of what was expected of us and how best to help the veterans through the day. I was nervous about meeting my veteran not knowing how he’d be feeling about the day. He came off the plane excited by the reception and ready to see the city which helped me relax. Being patient and flexible allowed with my guy to go smoothly.

3. There isn’t one thing specifically that I have come away with after these volunteering events. I am always floored by the reception each flight receives. The veterans come off their flights sometimes in tears, overwhelmed by the cheers and thank you’s they receive. As a Guardian, you get to spend the day with living history and I find it a great honor to be able to escort one of these folks for a day. As a Guardian, I have made new friends and have spoken too or met some family members of past veterans.

4. I would tell someone doing this for the first time to be flexible when it comes to your veterans needs. These guys are elderly and have specific needs that must be met to get comfortably through the day (which can be long). Also, some of these guys are willing to speak about their experience in the war and others are not. Be an attentive listener but don’t push for answers to questions your veteran may be unwilling to talk about. These guys love to talk about their families and often bring pictures so be prepared to tell them about yours as well! Be ready for an unforgettable day. You won’t regret giving time to one of these veterans!

5. I believe there may be age restrictions for some of the tasks required of volunteers. Most of the flights come into the Washington DC airports during the warm weather months and winter tends to be quiet. During the warm weather months, flights come in almost every weekend and people are always welcome to greet flights.

Thank you Jennifer! We greatly appreciate you serving those who have served our country.

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Katie has fun helping set up a fundraising party for the local Vision Coalition.

Your name: Katie

Cause name: Vision Coalition Mardi Gras 2012 Fund Raiser

Cause website: http://www.edhvisioncoalition.org/index.html

Is this your first time volunteering with this cause? Yes

This was a fund raiser that took place in El Dorado Hills. The volunteer day included a lot of general set up prior to start time. Once the event started I helped check in guests and direct them to the different areas of the event (auction area, food, dance floor etc.) As the event drew to a close a lot of time was spent cleaning up and breaking down the actual event itself.

I found out about the event through the event planning company, Scarlett and Grace, who volunteered their time and resources to put the entire event together.

The Vision Coalition supports the a Teen Council to advise the coalition on needs and interests of community youth, after school and weekend recreation opportunities for students in a safe, drug-free, and supervised environment, mentoring programs, both peer counseling and adult to youth, youth development, asset building and resiliency training, alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention programs in schools, youth developed media campaign that counters the alcohol and tobacco industry’s deceptive advertising tactics with pro-health messages, but most importantly they have a database of community volunteers that are available to teach young people positive health practices and skills in community service and recreation activities – which is a great opportunity for volunteers in this area looking to further the cause.

Thanks Katie! We appreciate your contribution!

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Anna volunteers with golden retrievers which reaffirms why dogs are truly man’s best friend.

Your name: Anna, http://www.twitter.com/mcanna

Cause name: Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Jody Jones

Cause website url: www.homewardboundgoldens.org

Is this your first time volunteering with this cause? No- I am usually involved with the Kibble & Bids fundraiser (past four years) and am trying to get out to the Ranch to help on a more regular basis. This is my third time volunteering at the Ranch.

Questions

1. Please provide a short paragraph about your volunteer experience. I wanted to go out to the Ranch on Superbowl Sunday, thinking that HBGRR might need some extra help (as it was Superbowl). Turns out, there were lots of volunteers, but my dog walking and ball throwing help was appreciated.

2. What were you expecting going into this volunteering event? Did those expectations change at all once you were done volunteering?

I was expecting to walk and play with dogs. I ended up walking and playing, in addition to filling up water bowls and brushing dogs (that liked to be brushed) while they were out in the play yards.

3. What was one thing you saw or did today that you’ll remember from today’s volunteering event?

Spending time with dogs that have come from all different sets of circumstances, who all loved being able to go outside on a walk or just to run around and play in the yards.

4. As an “experienced” volunteer at this cause, what would you tell someone who’s interested in volunteering at this cause for the first time?

If you plan on becoming a regular volunteer, contact Don (the Volunteer Coordinator) who leads monthly orientation groups. There are also dog walker leaders who give extra instruction on how to best walk dogs (great for people who aren’t familiar with walking large dogs, or for anyone that needs an obedience refresher). The goal is to be able to get the dogs adopted, and many of them need help with learning how to walk on a leash, be social around other dogs, play and trust people.

5. Are there any additional items people should know about volunteering at this cause?

As I stated above, I’m usually involved with the larger Kibble and Bids event, but if you like dogs (walking, playing, etc.), and are interested, visit the website to find out more about Homeward Bound and see if its something you are interested in. There is a lot going on at the ranch, aside from dog walking, there are landscaping activities, yard clean up, dog washing, laundry and feeding, along with any special events or fundraising activities during the year that take place off-site.

Thank you Anna! Glad to see you kept Homeward Bound a staple of 20 Causes, 20 Days! I know Jody appreciates it too.

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Linda’s volunteer experiences with Camp Bridges not only help young organ transplant recipients recover, but also cause her to change her definition of hero.

Your name: Linda

Cause name: Camp Bridges

Organization: Bridges Foundation

Contact information: info@camprbridges.org

Cause website url: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Camp-Bridges/74121401910

Is this your first time volunteering with this cause? No, I have been a volunteer for four years.

1. Please provide a short paragraph about your volunteer experience. (What specifically did you do while volunteering at this cause?

We provide a free camp experience for teens who have had solid organ transplants to provide fun, freedom, an opportunity to be “the same” as everyone else and to help prepare them to care for their own health. During Family Camp, we offer a welcome respite for parents and events and activities to make our transplant recipient AND their siblings feel special.

One of my primary tasks is taking photos and creating slideshows for each evening’s meal of the day’s event. Parents and kids are separated half the day, so they can see what the others were doing. I also fill in where needed from the kitchen to the great outdoors.

How does what you did while volunteering help the cause succeed? How’d you find out about the cause?

Running a lakeside camp takes wo/manpower. At July’s family camp, we fed, housed, engaged and entertained more than 200 people, ages 1 and up, many of whom are unable to manage or afford taking a family vacation. Our family was privileged to attend camp with my daughter, a transplant recipient, two years before she was old enough to attend Teen Camp. Since then, my daughter and I have volunteered at Family Camp. She cares for the toddlers in attendance.

Are there different volunteer opportunities for different people within this cause?

Yes. We always need medical professionals, counselors, people to plan and prepare meals and snacks, and ones who can help with crafts, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking — things some of these kids have never had the freedom to do until camp.

2. What were you expecting going into this volunteering event? Did those expectations change at all once you were done volunteering?

I expected to repay a debt for the kindness that had been shown to us. I had no idea that I would feel so blessed helping other families trying to find their way through such a life-changing event. I’ll be back every year until I am no longer able.

3. What was one thing you saw or did today that you’ll remember from today’s volunteering event?

Each year, we see the faces of kids who have a first-time experience: swim, boat, catch a fish, climb a hill, etc. For a few days, they are a kid just like any other. They compare scars that mark where their new heart, or kidney or liver was given instead of hiding them in shame. These faces you can never forget.

4. As an “experienced” volunteer at this cause, what would you tell someone who’s interested in volunteering at this cause for the first time?

Be prepared to change your definition of hero.

5. Are there any additional items people should know about volunteering at this cause?

Our volunteers include teens, septuagenarians and everything in between for varying levels of physical ability — from table-top crafts to inner-tubing from the back of a boat.

Thank you for letting me contribute, Erik. Meet my families: http://campbridges.shutterfly.com/925

Thank YOU Linda! Your contribution is much appreciated by me and especially by Camp Bridges.

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Katie took some time to help set up and run a fundraiser for her local Make A Wish chapter.

Your name: Katie

Cause name: Make A Wish Winter Food and Wine Fest (Silent auction and Live Auction)

Cause website url:  http://sacnortheast.wish.org/

Is this your first time volunteering with this cause? Yes

This was a very large event that took place at the Sacramento Convention Center. The volunteer day began with general set up of the formal dining room (floral arrangements, folding napkins etc) as the event moved forward I was assigned to various tasks but a majority of the work came during clean up time. Make a Wish foundation has been putting on this specific event for 20+ years so there were very organized with their volunteer staff and there were plenty of people to help.

I found out about the event through the event planning company, Scarlett and Grace, who volunteered their time and resources to put the entire event together.

There are many various tasks needed to put an event of this scale on and many volunteer opportunities. My expectation was to have a long day or working, doing whatever was asked of me. The event exceeded my expectations in the level of organization.

Make a Wish foundation is not only a great organization but they are incredibly organized with their volunteers so it takes a lot of the guess work out for someone who has never volunteered their time before. They make it very easy to help out for a great cause.

Thanks Katie! Keep helping your community become a better place!

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Courtney helps prepare and serve meals to more than 500 homeless in an hour!

Name: Courtney
Cause name: Austin Street Centre
Cause website:  http://www.austinstreet.org/
First time volunteering with this cause? No.  I usually go 4 times a year

The Austin Street Centre has a crew come in every single night from various churches and organizations to provide food for the homeless in Dallas.  The organization not only buys the food, but you prepare it and serve it.  I go with the Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.  A friend of mine attends this church and got me involved in the Austin Street Centre.

Because of work, I do not prepare the food.  It is usually done at the church during the day of the event.  I work in the line, serving food or drinks. It is a very organized.  The workers from the shelter provide all of the serving items.  They provide the chaffing dishes, punch containers, ovens to keep the items warm (but not to be used for cooking), cups and plates.  We have served meatloaf, green beans, baked chicken, mashed potatoes…items that are easy to cook in bulk.  We also provide cookies or some form of dessert.  A lot of time the food is donated or discounted when the store or restaurant hears what you are doing with it.

The people in the shelter are so appreciative.  The staff is so organized.  They line up the women and children first, then let the men go through. I was extremely shocked as to how many mouths they feed daily.  You serve close to 500 people in 1 hour.

It would require a large group to put this event on due to the cost of feeding so many people. It is a great feeling and wonderful organization! You might be able to call and see if you could help another group.  I am sure they could always use the extra hands.

Thanks Courtney! Keep making your community a better place!

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Courtney Couch
Austin Street Centre
http://www.austinstreet.org/
October 31, 2011
No.  I usually go 4 times a year

Suzanne helps abused and neglected children in a myriad of ways – during the holidays and year-round!

Name: Suzanne (http://twitter.com/globetrottgirl)
Cause name: Kids in Distress
Cause website: http://www.kidinc.org/
First time volunteering with this cause? No

1. Please provide a short paragraph about your volunteer experience.

I hosted an event on behalf of Kids In Distress in December, however it wasn’t your typical “toy drive” which many organizations run that time of year. It was a “gift card” drive for the older children, or teens if you will, who are often times forgotten at Christmas time while everyone else is busy collecting toys. How does what you did while volunteering help the cause succeed? I volunteer on both a corporate and personal level. This particular event was sponsored by my company thus reaching a much broader spectrum of clients and donators alike. How’d you find out about the cause? I was invited to the annual Andy Roddick Foundation for Kids In Distress in ’02 and was moved beyond words. I have been a strong supporter of K.I.D. ever since. Are there different volunteer opportunities for different people within this cause? Yes, countless opportunities to get involved in your community programs on so many levels such as foster care, for example.

2. What were you expecting going into this volunteering event? To raise a [lot] of money. Did those expectations change at all once you were done volunteering? I’m never done volunteering. It keeps getting better and better and richer and more and more rewarding each year. I am happy being a part of the solution in helping abused and neglected children….watching these little lives transform. Thanks to those who have joined the crusade, this organization is able to meet their goals and objectives year after year while nurturing healthy, enriching permanent solutions in child development.

3. What was one thing you saw or did that you’ll remember from that volunteering event?

We set up our event outdoors, around Holiday time– just outside a busy shopping mall. The people walking by–total strangers, were ripping checks from their checkbooks to the tune of thousands of dollars after simply listening to some of the testimonials of how K.I.D. works hard every day in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. With more than three million cases reported each year, more than one in 27 right here in Florida, passerby’s were moved enough to share. It was awesome.

4. As an “experienced” volunteer at this cause, what would you tell someone who’s interested in volunteering at this cause for the first time?

Get involved. You can really make a difference. It can transform lives.

5. Are there any additional items people should know about volunteering at this cause? (ie, age restrictions, physically strenuous, year-round opportunities, background checks, group opportunities, etc)

All of the above. All of their programs and services are designed specifically to give children and their families the tools, skills, services, and education they need to maintain a safe, stable, and healthy environment in which to thrive.

Thanks Suzanne! Keep making your community a better place!

*Editor’s note: Readers should check out Suzanne’s company Haute & Swagger

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Volunteering takes on many forms. Sarah helped with a fundraiser for a local wildlife association.

Name: Sarah
Cause Name: Wildlife Care Association
Cause website: wildlifecareassociation.com
Is this the first time volunteering for the cause: Yes

1. Please provide a short paragraph about your volunteer experience.

The event was a silent auction being held at a hotel in Sacramento. I helped with distributing silent bidding forms and pens to all the appropriate tables and by matching written descriptions to the items up for auction. There was approximately 300 items items up for auction and they were numbered but not placed in numerical order. The written descriptions were in numerical order so I walked the tables matching items to their descriptions.

2. What were you expecting going into this volunteering event? Did those expectations change at all once you were done volunteering?

I was expecting to be helping setting up tables/chairs/linens etc. I knew I was helping with the setting up of the event and that I wouldn’t be involved in the actual event. I planned to get a lot more dirty than I actually did.

3. What was one thing you saw or did today that you’ll remember from today’s volunteering event?

I didn’t get a chance to get really hands on with the actual cause itself which was kind of disappointing because I do love wildlife but I will always remember how many donations they received for the event. It’s nice to know that other people care about wildlife as much as I do.

4. As an “experienced” volunteer at this cause, what would you tell someone who’s interested in volunteering at this cause for the first time?

As an experienced volunteer I would advise others to expect organized chaos if they are volunteering for the set up committee. The director knows what she’s doing but there’s not a lot of direction being handed out. I would advise others to be proactive and ask what they can do to help.

5. Are there any additional items people should know about volunteering at this cause?

I did see a few children around but as far as setting up goes I would say it’s mostly an adult job. I personally didn’t do anything strenuous although I’m sure someone had to set up the tables and bring in all the items for auction. There were no background checks required and anyone could basically walk in and lend a hand.

Thanks Sarah! Keep helping your community become a better place!

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Stephanie, Kristin, and their colleagues cooked breakfast and lunch for sick children and their families at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

Your name: Stephanie

Cause name: Moroch Partners Media Outreach / Coordinators: Stephanie Ward (email) and Kristin Arthur (email)

Cause website: http://www.rmhdallas.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer/

Is this your first time volunteering with this cause? We had a team volunteer with Ronald McDonald House several years ago, but most of our volunteers were new and had not had this experience before.

Questions

1. Please provide a short paragraph about your volunteer experience.

We volunteered to provide, prepare and serve both breakfast and lunch for one day to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House while they have children undergoing treatment at area hospitals.  We organized two teams of 12 people each to plan a menu, shop for food and cook these meals.  The overwhelming majority of services this House provides are made possible by volunteers and donations.  This was an opportunity for our group to provide a warm meal and a smile to those families that are going through an extremely difficult time in their lives.  The Ronald McDonald House is a free place to stay for qualifying families of sick children.  We were glad to show our support and be a part of such a wonderful cause.

2. What were you expecting going into this volunteering event? Did those expectations change at all once you were done volunteering?

To be honest, we did not know what to expect!  We went into the event with open minds and open hearts.  I was very impressed with the kitchen, the tools, the systems and the organization they had in place.  The Ronald McDonald House makes it as easy as possible for volunteers to come in and do the job efficiently, as well as offering a comfortable, warm and friendly environment.  It was relaxed and fun!

3. What was one thing you saw or did today that you’ll remember from today’s volunteering event?

One of the full-time House volunteers gave us a tour once our meal was complete and we had finished cleaning up after ourselves.  It is an amazing place and the services provided to these families is incomparable.  It was touching to see the attention to detail given so that families could truly call it a home away from home.

4. As an “experienced” volunteer at this cause, what would you tell someone who’s interested in volunteering at this cause for the first time?

I would reinforce to them that this was a very positive experience and that you will undoubtedly take away more than you give.  Don’t let cooking a meal for a large amount of people be intimidating!  It is not really too challenging and ends up being a great way to bond with your group.  The Ronald McDonald House operates with an extremely low income, so it is quite inspiring to see such a wonderful place function on the giving spirit of others!

5. Are there any additional items people should know about volunteering at this cause?

The House asks that you keep your group to a limit of 12 people for meals.  We formed two groups (one for breakfast and one for lunch) so that 24 of us could participate.  It is also recommended that you do not come if you are feeling ill or under the weather.  These families are around very sick children and we would not want to pass on anything harmful to them.  Three meals are provided to the approximately 50-70 guests of the house each day, so there is a great need for food and volunteers to prepare it.  There are also opportunities to host activities or events in the evenings.  They have had anything from movie nights to ice cream socials which call for a group of about 5 max volunteers.

Thank you Stephanie and Kristin! Keep helping to make your community a better place!

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Casey provided healthy food directly to underprivileged families and gained a valuable new understanding about those in need.

Your name: Casey Kirk, http://www.twitter.com/caserface
Cause name: Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
Cause website: http://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/
Is this your first time volunteering with this cause? Yes for this specific type of event but not my first time with the organization.

1. Please provide a short paragraph about your volunteer experience.

I bagged and distributed fruits and vegetables through SFBFS’ mobile food distribution program. I was handing the food directly to the clients and that was really special because I got to see a direct result of volunteering my time; the look of gratitude on the faces of people who would have to otherwise go without food.

I have worked with the food bank through my job (Sac Press) on several different events know the staff very well. The food bank has many different opportunities available and has ongoing volunteer orientations during different days and times so it’s really convenient to get involved.
2. What were you expecting going into this volunteering event? Did those expectations change at all once you were done volunteering?

There wasn’t really any expectation that I had but I think there are two common misconceptions about food distributions through food banks and I was pleasantly surprised to reaffirm that this wasn’t the case:

1.  There is a stereotype of unkempt homeless people, addicted to drugs or alcohol and milking the system (not trying to get a job, receiving help from multiple resources, etc.) in order to feed their habit.  SFBFS’ clients are families just like you and me that are down on their luck and just want to provide for their families.  We all might be working with or know someone who has received help from SFBFS.  Poverty affects more than we think.

2.  Another stereotype is that the food bank’s give out canned food.  While there were some cans in sight, the food bank really focused on putting healthy items on the tables of their clients. They also distribute recipes, offer cooking lessons, etc. so they know how to prepare the food they are receiving. We distributed more fruits and vegetables than I can even remember and it was great knowing that recipients weren’t going to fill up on a bunch of empty carbs and sugar that will give them health problems and will leave them even more hungry in the end.

3. What was one thing you saw or did today that you’ll remember from today’s volunteering event?

Seeing children helping their parents carry the food they received.  It’s hard enough to know that adults go hungry but to see children really made an impact.  I slept better knowing that those families would have a warm meal on their table that night but couldn’t help but think of how many others still need assistance.

4. As an “experienced” volunteer at this cause, what would you tell someone who’s interested in volunteering at this cause for the first time?

To remember how delicate the recipients are.  Some of the clients might have never had to ask for help before and I think it’s important to remember this, especially since volunteers are communicating directly with the recipients.

5. Are there any additional items people should know about volunteering at this cause?

They do offer group opportunities and all volunteers should  be 18.  Volunteers are required to attend volunteer orientations beforehand but in a time crunch can ask the food bank about a one time volunteer opportunity.

Thank you Casey! I hope you’ve inspired others to join you volunteering in your community!

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