This month’s volunteer spotlight focuses on Tamera Guarnieri, who lives in Upland and recently helped out at our booth for the Claremont Pie Festival!

What are your favorite pastimes?

My favorite pastimes are tinkering in my garden, reading, listening to most genres of music, dancing and watching sports. I enjoy playing card and board games. Lately I have been addicted to Magic Puzzles on my tablet. Family dinners on the patio, a glass of wine with a girlfriend, or walking on the beach are my mental refreshers.

Where did you go to school and what was your major?

After high school I attended Mt. San Antonio to begin a degree in fashion merchandising. The road in life is not always straight and so through the zig and zags I took several classes at Chaffey College in various disciplines. It was not until my 40’s when I took some computer classes at California Computer School that I found the road less bumpy.

What activities do you participate in with Children’s Foundation of America?

I have headed the Holiday Heroes program at my company for six years. Our employees really enjoy purchasing gifts for the kids. As the box gets fuller and fuller everyone “ooh’s” and “aah’s” while remembering their own holiday gifts as children. I believe the holiday spirit is best felt when giving joy to children.

Recently I stepped outside of this once-a-year program and volunteered to man the booth at the Claremont Pie Festival. What a great day I had! It was fun to see the faces of attendees as they won a prize by spinning the prize wheel. Talking to passers-by about the Children’s Foundation of America and the wonderful work they do was rewarding. Informing others about this important foundation will hopefully spur them on to volunteer themselves or donate to a great cause.

What inspired you to volunteer with Children’s Foundation of America?

As the mother of three, a former school volunteer and Girl Scout leader I have a special place in my heart for children. It grieves me that kids and teens are put into circumstances beyond their control and that these situations have such impact on their futures. It is wonderful to know that there are loving, giving people ready to help with this plight and find solutions that have the children’s best interest at heart. I want to be part of this solution.

What do you find most rewarding about volunteering with Children’s Foundation of America?

The smiles on the children’s faces at the holiday party would be reward enough. Knowing I am helping the Foundation carry on its mission is a close second.

What’s your favorite memory from volunteering with Children’s Foundation of America?

One year this teen asked for boxers and socks on his holiday gift request. All the other children had asked for an Xbox or bike or Barbie doll, but he had only asked for essential items. I took his card and fulfilled his wish along with jeans, and shirts, and other items. I hope he liked everything because I really wanted to do right by this guy.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer?

We have so much in our lives. Even if you feel you have a little it is probably more than a lot of others have. If you have time to watch a TV show you have an hour to volunteer. Can you make some phone calls? Fold a few flyers? If you are going to a festival anyway why not spend an hour or two working the booth before or after. It makes you feel good to do something for others. It shows your children how to care for people outside of their family and friends. This community of life comes together when we support each other. Get outside of your comfort zone and volunteer!

Is there anything else you would like to share with your fellow volunteers?

Look around, surf the net, check at church, see what volunteer opportunities best suit your abilities. If you love children and working with others as I do then the Children’s Foundation of America might just be the thing you’re missing in your life.

Be the Difference

Thank you to Tamera for volunteering to Be the Difference!  If you would like to volunteer at the Children’s Foundation of America, call 1-800-KIDS-730 or email volunteer@trinityys.org.

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Aaron Henry, Community Outreach Associate
Aaron’s role is keeping the day-to-day functions of the Foundation office running efficiently by answering phone calls and emails, taking in and recording donations, coordinating volunteer activities and assisting with outreach and events. Aaron is a musician and an art enthusiast. On weekends, Aaron instructs music at the Claremont Community School of Music and assists at the nonprofit’s office.
Tel: 1-800-543-7730 | Email: volunteer@trinityys.org

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