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Saunders VOM May

Posted on July 27, 2011 09:39

 

For the past twenty years, Yankton has had an extraordinary woman promoting volunteerism throughout our community through action. The evolution of her volunteer efforts and her passion for service has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Nancy Saunders, Veterinarian at For Pet’s Sake, and Professor of Natural Science at Mount Marty College, is the recipient of the United Way & Volunteer Services’ Volunteer of the Month Award for May 2011.
Nancy got involved with volunteerism at the Yankton Care Center and local retirement homes, playing old hymns on the piano every Sunday morning. “I would play for thirty minutes at each place every week. The residents would request songs I did not know so I would go home, look them up, and play them the following week. They loved it.”  Her volunteerism soon progressed to serving on the Board of Directors for Big Friend Little Friend, as well as delivering meals to seniors through The Center’s, Meals on Wheels Program. 
Soccer was next on this volunteer’s to do list. Nancy has been coaching soccer in Yankton for the last 15 years, and although all three of her children play/played soccer, Nancy states, “I coach because I like to coach, not because my kids are in it. I enjoy it and plan on coaching even when my children are no longer in the program.” Coaching is not the only soccer related activity Nancy has put forth enormous effort. In 2004, Nancy started the local TOP Soccer program through Yankton Youth Soccer Association. The TOP Soccer season runs for five weeks in the fall beginning in September.  TOP Soccer is for players with physical, mental, social, and emotional special needs. The success of this program has evolved into Dr. Saunders starting another program in Yankton called SNAP, Special Needs At Play.
Nancy’s passion for service and helping others does not end there. She is currently working alongside other agencies and volunteers on bringing a CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, program here to Yankton. Nancy currently works with the CASA program out of Sioux Falls. The National CASA Association is a network of programs that recruit, train and support volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings. 
Dr. Nancy Saunders’s resume of volunteerism is extensive as you can see. From her donated time as a veterinarian and care giver to abandoned and stray pets, to her gift of music and participation in Mount Mary College productions, to her passion for youth activities, Nancy is an inspiration to others. Her advice to those thinking about getting involved in our community through volunteerism is simple, “Just do it. There are so many things you can do to help this great community. You don’t have to do it all, just pick one agency you are passionate about and the people you serve will be so grateful.”
For more information on how to volunteer or participate in the programs mentioned in this article, contact the United Way at 665-6766.
 
 
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2012 Volunteers of the Month
 

Diana Roth Volunteer of the Month
 

 

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin

 

Local volunteer, Diana Roth, wastes not a day, making people smile and laugh with not only her fantastic sense of humor, but her sense of community, donating her time and talents to many local organizations. United Way & Volunteer Services’ has honored Diana for her volunteer efforts, presenting her with the Volunteer of the Month Award for March 2012.

 

After retiring from the Yankton Public School District where she worked as a School Cook for over 30 years, Diana decided she wanted to start volunteering. “Volunteering gets you out in the community and you meet so many wonderful people,” states Diana.

 

Her volunteer efforts began in November of 2009 at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, helping at the Information Desk. Diana continues to volunteer at the hospital as an escort where she helps people locate their destination within the hospital. She also delivers newspapers, mail, and flowers to patients.

 

Carla Hummel, Volunteer Coordinator at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, says Diana’s contributions are much appreciated. “Diana is phenomenal!  I have recently had a couple volunteers fall out of schedule due to ill health and Diana has picked up where they left off and has been covering very patiently while I am on a search for replacements.  She is absolutely golden.  Her positive attitude, optimistic outlook, and just plain great attitude are looked forward to every time she enters the building!”

 

Diana soon heard of more volunteer opportunities through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and joined in. RSVP provides seniors the opportunity to put their skills to work by helping find senior volunteer opportunities that match their interests.

Deb Overseth, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator describes Roth as someone who is upbeat, cheerful, and energetic. “Diana gives so much of herself to help others and the community,” Overseth said. “Since Diana joined RSVP in 2009, she has put in over 1,800 hours of volunteer service to local programs in Yankton including the United Way & Volunteer Services, RSVP office, Chamber of Commerce, SD Tourism, Sack Pack, the Women’s/Children’s Center, and many more!”

On average, Diana contributes over 25 hours a week to volunteering. These hours include time spent at the hospital, multiple volunteer opportunities through RSVP, quilting for St. John’s Lutheran Church, and reading to Ms. Becker’s First Grade Class at Beadle Elementary.

According to Ms. Becker, Diana Roth is one of “MY3GRAMAS” who have become the core reading volunteers in her first grade classroom.  “Diana rotates through 25 students, listening to each read and visiting with them about their lives.  We truly appreciate her gift of sharing time and attention with these 6-, 7-, and 8-year old students.”

Diana’s sense of community contributes to her a sense of worth. “Volunteering is so rewarding,” Roth exclaims. “I love it! And the pay isn’t too bad either! The thanks you receive definitely out ways anything you could pay me for the work I do. I love it, I love it, I love it! I’ll never quit.”

Diana encourages others to volunteer, stating “There is something out there for everyone. Volunteering is flexible and at your own pace, you have the freedom to pick your hours and what you like to do. There are so many opportunities available, you need to go out and try it!” Diana emphasizes that age is not a factor when it comes to volunteerism, “Young, old, or young at heart, volunteering is for everyone!”

 

 
 
Featured volunteer opportunites in education, income and health.
 

 

United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health: the building blocks for a good life.  But we can't do it alone.  We need the heads, hands and hearts of committed people like you to healp us tackle the problems facing our communites.
Each one of us has special talents.  Things we can to help.  Put your talents to work for your community.  Volunteer.

 

Give an hour. Give a Saturday. Give your best. We all have special talents. Things we can do to help. And when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. Whether it’s reading to children, or leading financial literacy classes for hard-working families, or delivering meals to homebound seniors, there are hundreds of volunteer options available every day.


Give the gift of you. Volunteer.

 


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