Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Athey
I had the pleasure to be able to sit down and interview a dedicated volunteer named Jim Athey. Jim is currently attending California Polytechnic State University of Pomona where he is studying to earn his Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management.
Jim is a wonderful induvial to have as a volunteer, he is always willing help and sign-up for every volunteer event. He has been volunteering with the Children’s Foundation of America (CFA) since 2017 and earned the most hours served two years in a row! And so, for this Volunteer Spotlight, we wanted to highlight Jim’s kind and helpful heart.
How did you hear about Children’s Foundation of America and what is your favorite campaign?
My favorite campaign is the gift wrapping and that is actually how I found out about CFA. One day I was walking in the mall, and I found CFA, I thought how cool! I inquired on helping after that.
What do you like about volunteering with CFA?
Well definitely before COVID was the whole Christmas thing, meeting other people and a lot of the different activities. When we use to do Warm and Fuzzy and make scarfs, I thought this is really cool! I actually learn stuff too, like gift warping and, believe it or not, I actually got better at gift wrapping.
How did you get into volunteering?
I started out at a walk through for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. I did registration and check ins.
What inspires you to volunteer?
Just helping people. I like the hospitality aspect. I like helping with check-ins at walk-throughs or helping with goody bag distribution.
Other than volunteering, what are your other hobbies?
Other hobbies would be like hiking, horseback riding, and camping. A lot of activities I do like archery, arts and crafts, horseback riding ties back into camping.
So, you like the outdoors?
Yep. I am just not a skier or snowboarder.
What are your future goals?
My focus is on hotels, resorts, and theme parks. Future goals would be to work at a country club resort or a theme park. Especially theme parks because I already enjoy them. Even though it can be hard but obviously someone who loves theme parks are going to like their job that much more.
What would be your dream park to work at?
There’s a lot of theme parks. But I would say Six Flags because it has thrill rides.
What is a fun fact about you?
My favorite color is green.
If you’d like to volunteer with the Children’s Foundation of America, sign-up for our monthly newsletter for volunteer opportunities. You may also contact us by email at volunteer@trinityys.org or call 800.KIDS.730.
Briana Calderon, Volunteer Coordinator
Briana leads our volunteer program through various campaigns and volunteer activities year round. Briana describes her responsibility as helping to create a space for everyone to come volunteer and find community in serving a greater purpose than our own. Briana graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication with a focus on public relations at California State University San Bernardino. During her time at CSUSB, she was a student recruiter and tour guide. Having enjoyed her experience working with students and public speaking, working with volunteers seemed like a natural step. Briana has helped advance our volunteer systems with technology and provided virtual volunteer opportunities when possible. In addition to her position at CFA, Briana also serves on the Diversity, Inclusion, Value, Equity (DIVE) team.