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.

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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.