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Posted on April 29, 2011 12:20
Community Connections:
Salute To The 2010 Volunteers Of The Month
BY PAM KETTERING
United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton
Published: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 10:50 PM CDT
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a two-part series. The second half will run on next Thursday’s Life page.
Every year we are again extremely grateful and appreciative of the multiple hours, variety of talents, and passion for the services performed by these Volunteers Of The Month. They are the tip of the thousands of citizens in the greater Yankton area that contribute to the quality of life enjoyed by all of us – from the very young to the most experienced. When you see these awarded volunteers as well as others, thank them for all of the great work that they do.
JANUARY, TYLER FRICK is now a college student; however, when he was presented this award he was taking dinner trays to patients and sorting papers for information charts for incoming patients at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. His volunteer journey also found him at the Banquet numerous times, cleaning the church, assisting his mother with 5th grade religious education, and helping at the Roger Haas Basketball Tournament. Tyler said, “it is so easy to get involved and that anyone can volunteer. It gets you motivated and once you get started, it just becomes routine. You might find you really enjoy it. The best part of volunteering is going around to all the people and putting a smile on their faces. “
FEBRUARY, ALLSION SPAK is constantly on the search for stage props. Directing the Yankton Children’s Theatre Company has been a natural stepping stone for Spak. Her mother directed a Children’s Theatre in New Mexico and the family collected and stored items for a future show. Starting with 25 aspiring stars she now has casts of 110 youth after auditioning as many as 150. Having experience with theater lighting and sound, she works with Lewis & Clark Theatre Company productions and Academy of Dance recitals. Spak also assists with the Elks Easter Egg Hunt and Flag Day education. “Putting it all together and watching the enthusiasm and excitement from the kids, making it fun and entertaining is what brings an inspiring opening night every time”, Allison remarked. So whether it is your child, grandchild or your neighbors child, remember the person behind the scene, Allison Spak.
MARCH, DEB BRODERS finds piles of donated yarn waiting for her to dispense to anxiously awaiting Federal Prison inmates. After exploring projects that would be at no cost to the government, all supplies donated, and be an acceptable activity for the inmates that in turn would help the community, knitting rose to the top. The 16 inmates make one item a month spending between six and ten hours on each item. Two local nursing homes and the hospital benefit from the hand-knit lap blankets, shawls and baby blankets. The program could easily double in size if there were enough donated yarn and supplies for those on the waiting list to participate. The inmates teach each other as they work on patterns and yarn colors. Broders shared, “They are very proud of their finished projects and appreciate being able to give back to the community and show off their talents. The inmates do not get many opportunities to do that.”
APRIL, HELEN MILLER welcomes people as they enter the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Gift Shop with a bright smile. As a former nurse, Miller now lends a listening ear and helping hand when patient’s relatives seek a special gift. Miller also shares her talents singing in the church choir, delivering Meals On Wheels, assisting with bingo at Majestic Bluffs and attending Federated Womens Club. Helen stated, “Volunteering is so meaningful. It is hard to express. It is just a wonderful experience.”
MAY, PAM ERICKSON loves kids – especially providing them with a wholesome place to hang out. The Boys & Girls Club is a passion and priority with her time, talent and resources. Setting up billing software, trouble shooting Club computer problems, assisting with the golf tournament and other fundraisers, or assisting with the numerous grant applications are ways Erickson supports the Club. With her children as Club members, Erickson states, “Things my children are involved in, I get pretty passionate about. I want to make sure my kids have a safe place to go.“
JUNE, LARRY & LINDA KOLLARS volunteer together in TEAM at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital but go different directions for Riverboat Days activities. Larry has co-chaired the Car Show while Linda has worked with the parade and dressing up as Dr. Seuss to read to children. As a RSVP volunteer, Linda has also assisted with the Dakota Smiles Mobile, shares time to help Webster School staff, and helps Keep Yankton Beautiful for the Missouri River Clean Up. Larry also likes to direct drivers to parking spots for community events. Linda states, “We volunteer because we feel like we are making a contribution to the community. It is a little thing. But to some people we help, it is a big thing.”
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