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.

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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.