Volunteer Spotlight: Annette Brunske
I had the pleasure of meeting Annette over the summer when she came to volunteer for our Back-to-School care packaging event. She came in with high energy ready to pack backpacks for the foster youth. Since then, Annette has participated in events like Birthday in a Bag, Holiday Heroes, and our annual golf tournament. She has also brought her two sons and friends Lori and Natalie to volunteer. Here at CFA, we greatly appreciate Annette’s help and value her loving energy. Additionally, Annette contributed several volunteer hours last year, making her one of our Volunteer Superheroes. Get to know Annette below as she answers questions about herself and her experiences volunteering with CFA.
What are some of your favorite things?
Favorite color: Deep sky blue. Favorite animal: Without a doubt, a dog.
What do you like to do in you free time?
In my free time I like to spend time hanging out with my dog, my friends, and their dogs, going to the park. I love hanging out with my two teenage sons and their friends, just laughing, and having a good time. I love being with extended family reminiscing or just catching up on current stuff in our lives.
Why do you like volunteering?
I love volunteering. Just knowing that I might be bringing a smile to a child’s face and some happiness into their life is priceless. What inspires me to volunteer with CFA, is the idea of making a difference in a child’s life in some capacity.
How long have you been volunteering with CFA?
I have been volunteering with CFA for about 5 years, but more consistently since the newest Volunteer Coordinator, Briana Calderon, started with them.
How did you hear about CFA?
I was on one of those “volunteer match” sites, when CFA popped up. I read about them and loved what they do.
What is your favorite campaign?
I have several campaigns that I enjoy, but Christmas time is my favorite because I get to shop for the perfect gift(s) according to the child’s interests. I love really spending the time to find the right special gift just for them.
Do you have a favorite memory with CFA?
My favorite memory is when my 18 year old son came to do Birthday in a Bag with me. He was so into it, really looking for the perfect gift to fit their age and likes it. He spent so much time looking and reading the cards to find the right one. It was heartwarming to see how much he cared.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I used to be a clown when I was in my 20’s as a side job for birthday parties. Also, I have an uncontrollable need to help stray dogs get back to their owner lol.
Anything else you would like the reader to know about CFA?
CFA is such a wonderful organization, with so many opportunities to help the many local foster kids. The Volunteer Coordinator is so sweet, helpful, organized, and so appreciative of her volunteers! They need all the volunteers they can get, so if you have some spare time, sign up and help make a little difference.
Contact the CFA office at 800.KIDS.730, email volunteer@trinityys.org or sign up here to get started.
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.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kelly Renken
This month’s volunteer spotlight is Kelly Renken. Kelly came to volunteer with Children’s Foundation of America last year during our Back-to-School campaign. From then she has helped by donating school items and at CFA’s annual golf tournament by facilitating golf challenges. The heart she has for her community is truly amazing! Check out her story below.
Q: How did you hear about Children’s Foundation of America?
A: Good ol’ Google. I did an internet search for children’s organization in foster care. I was curious and impressed with CFA.
Q: What is your favorite campaign?
A: I haven’t had an opportunity to participate in all of campaigns yet, but I did have a lot of fun volunteering at the golf tournament.
Q: What do you like about volunteering with CFA?
A: CFA offers several opportunities and ways to volunteer every year. This makes volunteering very accessible with my schedule. But most importantly, I feel the community of children CFA serves is so worthy.
Q: How did you get into volunteering?
A: I’ve always volunteered. Mostly through my children’s school and with their sports. Volunteering is just part of my living and what God calls me to do. I like to be a helping hand in my community.
Q: What inspires you to volunteer?
A: No inspiration needed. Just love!
Q: Other than volunteering, what are your other hobbies?
A: I love to garden, exercise, and hang out with my kids.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory volunteering with CFA?
A: My favorite memory was my first-time volunteering with CFA, I was filling backpacks for the Back-to-School campaign. This was really rewarding seeing the generosity of everyone who donated school items for the foster youth. This was right up my alley in volunteering.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
A: I am a marathon runner. I am currently in training for a half marathon coming up on Memorial weekend.
Q: Anything you want to let the reader know about Children’s Foundation of America?
A: If you are looking to get involved in your community, CFA is an organization of wonderful people, and their campaigns are organized and well ran. There isn’t a more worthy group than children in foster care who could use your time talents and resources.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Briana Calderon at 909-426-0773 or email volunteer@trinityys.org.
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.
Volunteer Spotlight: Gloria Guix
Introducing February’s Volunteer Spotlight, Gloria Guix. Gloria came to Children’s Foundation of America (CFA) originally as an intern and, in 2020, she accumulated 100 hours of service to our cause. During her time with CFA she has helped in campaign’s like Trinity Classic Golf Tournament, Back-to-School Drive, Birthday in a Bag, Holiday Heroes, served on our Golf & Gala Committee and has hosted Cards for Kids events for her friends and family. She has won an award for most volunteer hours served in 2020 and was also featured in the 2021 Virtual Awards Gala. Gloria has helped push CFA’s mission forward by conducting research, outreach, donating school supplies and toys and participating in our volunteer events. Get to know Gloria with our Q&A:
Where did you go to school?
I went to Chaffey College and transferred to California State San Bernardino University (CSUSB). I recently just graduated.
What are your future goals?
I wish to help people in need. Either help children or families who need resources. My goal is to find a full-time job where I can help others.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I love to read books, paint, or bake. I love to read novels; my favorite author is Colleen Hoover and I recently just got into baking. I like to try new things!
How long have you been volunteering with CFA?
I have been volunteering with CFA for a little over a year.
What inspires you to volunteer?
I do enjoy volunteering; it allows me to do what I love. I enjoy helping others who need extra help. CFA has allowed me to help foster youth who need school supplies, birthday gifts, scholarships, etc.
What other causes do you support with your time?
I used to volunteer at a church, but I have not been doing a lot of volunteer work due to the pandemic and having to work full time at my current job. I would like to volunteer for other organizations that help children and families. In addition, I am interested in volunteering for organizations who provide help to domestic violence victims.
How did you hear about the Children’s Foundation of America?
I heard about Children’s foundation of America through CSUSB. In fall 2020 I had to do an internship and my school recommended CFA. That is how I found Children’s Foundation of America.
What are your favorite campaigns?
My favorite campaigns are the Back-to-School Drive, Birthday in a Bag, and Trinity Classic Golf Tournament.
Do you have a favorite memory volunteering with CFA?
One of my favorite memories is how I was able to get some family members to make birthday/holiday cards and donate Christmas gifts. In addition, I have enjoyed helping prepare school backpacks, birthday gifts and the swag bags for the golf tournament.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about me is I changed my major in college from Animal Science to Sociology because I decided I wanted to help people in need. Another fun fact me is that I have two degrees: an associate’s degree in Social and Behavior Science and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
Anything you want to let the reader know about Children’s Foundation of America?
Children’s Foundation of America is a great nonprofit organization. I have enjoyed my time volunteering with them. In addition, I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of their mission. I would recommend others to volunteer for CFA!
Get Involved
If you are interested in volunteering, call 909-426-0773 ext. 236 or email volunteer@trinityys.org.
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.
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.
Volunteer Spotlight: Jacqueline Legazcue
Children’s Foundation of America (CFA) would love to introduce our Action Hero Volunteer awardee, Jacqueline Legazcue, as our volunteer spotlight. Jacqueline is an amazing volunteer who has been volunteering at CFA for quite some time now. She has been leading her own virtual events through her initiative called Community Crafternoons, where she invites the community to get crafty on Zoom. When she combines this project with our Cards for Kids campaign, she leads community members and volunteers in making birthday cards for foster youth. Jacqueline has been working as Digital Marketing Specialist at Scripps College for 8 years, she is also very passionate about the environment and is involved with Sustainable Claremont. I was fortunate to ask Jacqueline some questions to get to know her, learn about her experience with CFA, and with volunteering.
How did you hear about CFA and what are your favorite campaigns?
I heard about the Children’s Foundation of America through Scripps College. I was on Staff Council for years and we love partnering with CFA for the holiday toy drive. My new favorite campaign is the Birthday in a Bag. It’s so sweet to hear that CFA celebrates local fosters by giving the foster family a bag of birthday goodies (cake mix, birthday hats, toys, etc.). Kids need to be celebrated, validated, and recognized as individuals. What better way than telling them that we’re happy they exist and that we like them just the way they are?
What inspires you to volunteer?
I firmly believe that everyone can make a positive impact on their communities and networks. I understand that it can be challenging to contribute financially for people. Being of service to my local community means so much to me. I volunteer because I want to ease other’s suffering and bring joy and hope into their lives. I know what it feels like to struggle and compassion is my way of giving back. People supported my dreams along the way. Why not make it easier for children to dream better and dream bigger?
What are your upcoming projects?
This fall is really exciting. If the weather is good, I want to host a Claremont walkathon where we raise money for CFA and get shoes donated. The cool thing is we can do it virtually or in person depending on the pandemic conditions. I’ve learned that pivoting and safety is key during these times! It’s important to be flexible and strategic when volunteering.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love befriending animals and picked up a hobby of raising Monarch butterflies. It’s rewarding and meditative to watch them transform and hatch from the emerald chrysalis.
Anything you want to let the reader know about CFA?
The Children’s Foundation of America is changing lives for the better. I love how their leadership and volunteers believe strongly in supporting foster children. To witness how they provide resources, emotional support, and kindness for foster youth of all ages is beautiful. California is leading the way to improve conditions for foster kids and foster young adults. Please, if you’re reading this and want to get involved, do it now. Today is always a great day to make change happen.
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.
Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Valente
The Children’s Foundation of America has been incredibly lucky to have Karen Valente as one of our amazing volunteers. She is hardworking and always has such a fabulous attitude. Karen is retired and loves to spend her free time volunteering or visiting with family.
Family is a big part of Karen’s life. She has three children and a granddaughter, who is the apple of her eye. She enjoys volunteering for the Foundation because she feels that, “giving back and supporting children is so important,” she said. Her favorite event is our Back to School Drive. “It reaches so many children; back to school time is such an important time in children’s lives, especially children in need. Volunteering at that event reminds me of when my children were young and how each year was like a new beginning for them. I want children in need to have that same experience,” she commented.
Karen learned about the Foundation through Volunteer Match. She also volunteers for David and Margaret Youth and Family Services. She cares so much about helping others, her commitment to making a difference really shows. Karen has worked many events with our Volunteer Coordinator, Paula Leal, who says, “Karen is the type of individual anyone would love to have in their corner; her willingness to perform service is genuine and heart-felt. She brings a kind spirit to everything she does. During several service opportunities, she has worked entire days to help get needed items out to our youth.”
Not only does Karen help each month with our Birthday in a Bag event, but she also consistently signs-up for other volunteer opportunities. She works for our annual Trinity Classic Golf Tournament and Fundraiser, warehouse projects, making scarves for Warm & Fuzzy February, Back to School Drive, various Claremont socials, care package making and distribution, and participates in our Holiday Heroes campaign, to name a few.
In 2019 she served 77 hours for the Children’s Foundation and won the top award, Volunteer Superhero, at our annual “Valenteer” Party. Her superhero motto is, “Be kind to everyone,” and it is certainly one she demonstrates each time she works with the Foundation. We are honored to have Karen Valente volunteering with us.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer and Be the Difference, get involved! Contact us at 800.KIDS.730.
Isabel Millward-Pena
Isabel contributes content for our social media, blog, newsletters and promotional materials. She recently earned a bachelor’s degree in English from California State University San Bernardino and is currently working on her master’s degree. Isabel began working with our team as an intern and, luckily for us, never left. Isabel primarily works as Clerical for Trinity Youth Services. Prior to her work there, she was a substitute instructional aid and a supervisor at Starbucks. She has also volunteered as an aid at local elementary schools and notably achieved “Partner of the Quarter” at Starbucks in 2017.
Volunteer Spotlight: Megan Hakopian
Megan Hakopian is a high school student who loves to volunteer. When she discovered Children’s Foundation of America on VolunteerMatch, she searched our organization online to learn more. “I saw that it aligned with my interests and values,” she said. “So I signed up right away!”
Her first and favorite volunteer memory with the Foundation was helping at our Claremont Earth Day booth. “I didn’t know anyone and Marie welcomed me with such a warm heart,” she said. “I felt right at home.” For her first time volunteering with us, Megan did an excellent job engaging with booth visitors and collecting donations with our spin wheel game.
Since then, Megan has volunteered at our CREAM Ontario fundraiser, helped cut event flyers at our office, inventoried in our warehouse and assembled spring goodie baskets.
She loves that volunteering allows people to develop new skills, especially with nonprofit charities like CFA. “Unlike other organizations, charitable organizations are happy to give positions to passionate, though inexperienced individuals,” she said. “Individuals who desire to help others and benefit the community.”
Outside of volunteering with CFA, Megan is active in her church, is part of Model United Nations, Girl Scouts, fencing, Claremont Canopy and occasionally plays the piano. “I don’t volunteer for the glory or the awards,” Megan said, “but because I love seeing others smile. It makes me really appreciate what I have and warms my heart.”
Megan highly encourages others to volunteer with CFA and even got her mom involved in the organization. Her advice for potential CFA volunteers and donors: “Pour your whole heart into it,” she said. “This is such an amazing organization and each time I volunteer I can only imagine how many children are impacted by one small act.”
The Children’s Foundation of America relies on volunteers like Megan to Be the Difference in the lives of children in need. Click here to learn more about how you can get involved too!
Marie Maghuyop, Communications & Volunteer Relations Specialist
Marie creates content for social media, writes blogs and coordinates volunteer opportunities and events. She enjoys connecting with volunteers of diverse backgrounds and getting to know their unique stories. She has earned two associate’s degrees from San Bernardino Valley College and a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Fullerton. In her free time, Marie loves going to Disneyland, writing, playing ukulele and board games, and dancing.
Volunteer Spotlight: Linh Trieu
Linh Trieu is an invaluable and frequent volunteer with the Children’s Foundation of America. She is also an employee of our partner organization, Trinity Youth Services. She has worked there for 15 years as the Controller in the finance department.
At the Foundation, Linh has volunteered doing gift wrapping for our Holiday Heroes campaign, is a volunteer captain at our annual golf tournament, and has passed out Halloween candy at Claremont’s Spooktacular annual event. At our “Valenteer” Party she received the 2018 “Triniteer of the Year” award for accumulating the most volunteer hours among the many Trinity staff volunteers.
Because her position at Trinity does not always allow for direct involvement with the various Foundation campaigns, Linh makes it a point to volunteer outside of work whenever she can.
“What I do here at the office is support the Foundation to do their job,” she explained. “They help more directly with the kids than I can, so whenever I can help and volunteer, I do it because I’m putting a little bit of myself towards making their future brighter or making a new reality for them. It’s making a difference.”
Outside of her job and work with CFA she and her family frequently volunteer at the Santa Ana Armory to feed the homeless. She is also involved with the volunteer groups her church organizes, where they often make hot meals for the needy. Cooking meals was Linh’s first volunteer experience.
“It was eye opening. We didn’t realize how many people were out there that needed help. There are so many people in need,” she said.
Empathy and Volunteering
Upon arriving in the United States, Linh says her early experiences in the county motivate her to make a difference. “I came here from Vietnam,” she said, “And went through hard times when we first got here so I understand the hardship. I feel like I’m able to connect with others.”
Linh views volunteering as a way to get her kids involved and increase the awareness of issues in the community. “When we brought the kids to volunteer, they heard about it, but had never seen a place with hundreds of people in need. When we go to the shelter you can see kids – little ones – that need help. It’s a big problem. You don’t realize it until you’re out there volunteering.”
Linh uses volunteering as a way to instill empathy and instruct important values within her family. “My kids volunteer at Trinity. They’ve come with me to work and helped out since they were little. They’ve learned to give back and share. You have to give back, be open, and love others,” Linh said.
For those who are considering volunteering, Linh says, “Definitely get involved. It helps you not just feel good, but your body, mind, and spirit benefit too.” In all things, Linh takes a holistic approach. She loves to spend time with her family and exercise. To stay active, she visits the gym, goes on hikes with her family or volunteers!
The Children’s Foundation of America is supported by great volunteers like Linh. Click here to learn more about getting involved!
Jose Rojas, CFA Intern
Jose is an English literature major at California State University San Bernardino. As a CFA intern, Jose attends and photographs events and writes for our blog. He has previously volunteered with The Prison Library Project. In his free time, you can catch him playing tennis or cramming for his next exam.
Volunteer Spotlight: Vicki Rensch
Vicki Rensch is an artist, teacher and longtime volunteer with the Children’s Foundation of America. Vicki got involved with the Foundation when her daughter, CFA Development Specialist Jenelle Phillips, recruited her for her expertise.
Vicki has a long and passionate history with volunteering. Her earliest memory of being active in her community is helping her mom pass out pamphlets and buttons in support of John F. Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign.
In the 1990’s, her place of work allowed Vicki to volunteer full-time with United Way, an organization dedicated to fundraising and benefiting in need communities. Vicki chose to support the San Bernardino Child Advocacy Group and organized an ongoing toy drive with a goal of 100% participation from the department she was working on loan from. They met that goal in the two years she was involved in the campaign and the department continued the toy drive in the years after Vicki established it.
“When I was running the campaign, I brought speakers in to talk about volunteering to help employees realize that making the time to volunteer was so important. I made speeches about the services and research United Way benefits. Many of the employees said that their loved ones had benefited from these services and some shared that they were raised in foster care and understood how they have been impacted by many of the things that United Way supported,” she said.
She later volunteered with the Girl Scouts of the USA. Beginning in 1993, she started as a troop leader and had became a council trainer for Daisy troop leaders in the early 2000’s. She helped Senior Girl Scouts become Gold Award recipients, provided support for girls interviewing into the Rose Parade Tournament Troop and organized a trip for girls to travel to Savannah, GA to visit the birthplace of Girl Scouts Founder, Juliette Gordon Low.
At the Foundation, Vicki is a Volunteer Lead for appeal mailing, directing volunteers in mailing our constituents and is a support volunteer at many of our events. Her and her husband can also be seen at our various fundraisers supporting the cause.
A True Holiday Hero
Her favorite event is the Holiday Heroes gift wrapping booth. “Even though I have many favorite events, this one is the most fun to do.” Vicki loves being able to put her love for gift wrapping to work for a good cause. “It always puts me in the Christmas spirit every year,” Vicki said. “I learned it is important to volunteer for that which you already love to do.”
Responsibility to Community
Vicki holds passionate beliefs about having a responsibility to help her community. She makes it a habit to go wherever she is needed. “As a kid, I wasn’t aware of everything that goes into our community opportunities. It’s my turn to give back,” she says. “My parents instilled a belief in me that if there is a need, we have the responsibility to help fill that need whenever possible. So I volunteer.”
Vicki views volunteering as something that allows her to explore what life has to offer. “My favorite thing about being a volunteer is going to places I’ve never been, meeting people I may otherwise never meet and doing things I have never thought about doing”, she said. “Volunteering, for me, is an enriching experience with the very pleasant side effect of helping others.”
Vicki’s hobbies include creating art, photography and visiting historic landmarks. However, her favorite and most fulfilling pastime of all is volunteering. “When my hobbies allow me a chance to also take part in volunteering I am at my most complete.” For example, Vicki volunteered 20 years in a row as a photographer for Grandparent’s Day at a local elementary school. “It brings me great joy to know someone has grown up cherishing that special bond of family though a picture I took,” she said.
Vicki’s Advice for Getting Involved
For those that are considering volunteering, Vicki has a few useful steps to help get yourself started. “First,” she said, “Make the initial contact. Find something you love to do. Volunteer to do that something. Attend the event with a happy heart. Lastly, feel good about yourself and volunteer often.”
Vicki stepped up as a CFA Volunteer Leader because, “I was needed,” she said. “CFA is a quality, well established organization for children and I saw a need that I could fill. They are a well organized group whose mission is to help children by making volunteering fun and easy. The staff is very friendly, gracious and helpful and everybody makes you feel like a valued member of the team,” she said.
The Children’s Foundation of America is supported by great volunteers like Vicki. Click here to learn more about getting involved!
Jose Rojas, CFA Intern
Jose is an English literature major at California State University San Bernardino. As a CFA intern, Jose attends and photographs events and writes for our blog. He has previously volunteered with The Prison Library Project. In his free time, you can catch him playing tennis or cramming for his next exam.
Volunteer Spotlight: Lion’s Heart Service
Lion’s Heart Service is a nonprofit group that curates, creates, and encourages opportunities for teens and children to get involved in their community. Their Upland chapter rigorously donates their time to making a difference, accumulating a total of 77 volunteer hours with the Children’s Foundation of America since their chapter was founded in 2017. They’ve volunteered at rescue centers, senior homes, local food banks, churches and various other organizations.
With the Foundation, Lion’s Heart has assisted in our Back-to-School drive and our Holiday Heroes campaign.
Chapter Coordinator Sylvia Tam, is dedicated to creating a culture of giving in both her community and family. “I have to have a leadership mind set, so I can create a community of helpers,” she said. Through Lion’s Heart, Sylvia’s children and group “don’t have to think twice about volunteering. Our group goes wherever needed.”
Sylvia’s daughter, Vanessa Wong, founded their chapter to encourage the people around her to get involved. “Friendship is her priority and she wanted to do something as a team. Volunteering is always on her mind,” Sylvia said.
In 2018, the Upland City Council recognized Lion’s Heart members Vanessa Wong, Alyssa Mao and Karis Yoon with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for accumulating 75-100 volunteer hours. Benjamin Wong, Sylvia’s son and frequent Lion’s Heart volunteer, also received an award from the Kiwanis Club.
Creating a culture of giving
Lion’s Heart holds leadership and gratitude as their core values. Teaching youth to volunteer in their free time is invaluable to Lion’s Heart. Sylvia’s hope is to spread awareness about the many volunteer opportunities. “I tell the adults you have to get your kids out there and do this,” she said. “There are so many parents who want to get their families involved in volunteering and don’t know where and how.” Lion’s Heart and the Children’s Foundation of America can help!
Sylvia believes there are some real benefits to volunteering, saying, “It is a form of therapy, to zoom out of the business world and find some happiness in what we’re doing in the moment.” She said working with the Foundation is “is great, because it’s helping kids that are at a turning point in their lives, where they can go forward.” She stressed that volunteering benefits everyone involved, boosting needed skills that transfer to all areas of work and life.
Syvlia’s Lion’s Heart group is passionate about being involved, and the children “choose volunteering as their top priority.” CFA is supported by great volunteers like Sylvia and Lion’s Heart. If you would like to know more about getting your service group involved, click here!
Jose Rojas, CFA Intern
Jose is an English literature major at California State University San Bernardino. As a CFA intern, Jose attends and photographs events and writes for our blog. He has previously volunteered with The Prison Library Project. In his free time, you can catch him playing tennis or cramming for his next exam.