This month we recognize the volunteers in our community who give in a uniquely American way…donating valuable time, energy and helping hands that few nonprofits could afford to pay for. April 18-24 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and Kinship Center salutes all those who make life better for others through their volunteer service to Kinship Center.
“Volunteers have been the lifeblood of our agency from the very beginning,” says Kinship Center Executive Vice President Carol Bishop. “Local citizens helped us get started 25 years ago, and community members are still making a huge difference in our ability to change children’s lives.”
Monterey County Firefighter Justin Reyes, above right, devotes many dozens of volunteer hours each year to bringing seasonal cheer and fire safety education to Kinship Center children. Shown here with wife Michelle and Kinship Center Board of Directors member Dick Murnighan, Justin was recently selected as a KSBW 2010 Jefferson Award honoree for his selfless giving to some of the county’s neediest children.
Some other special volunteers who deserve the spotlight this month are members of the three Kinship Center auxiliary chapters, formed to raise funds that support Kinship Center programs.
The Gabilan Chapter, based in San Benito County, has been a powerful fundraising group for Kinship Center since 1989, hosting local events and retail sales of special items to be able to make a sizeable donation each year. [See article Gabilan Auxiliary Makes $50K Gift]
The Kinship Center Auxiliary in Orange County began in 2009 in the wake of county funding cuts that eliminated a parent education program. Members raise funds to help fill the gap through unique events. [See article Orange County Bikers Raise Dollars for Kids]
A Salinas group, Kinship Support Unlimited, began through the leadership of Susan Guidotti, a Kinship Center adoptive parent of two adult sons who communicated her passion to help kids and got others to join. The group’s 15 members have hit the ground running and have already contributed help and dollars. “Every one of us has a love for children,” Guidotti says. “We enjoy helping Kinship Center make life better for kids.”
Every day in communities throughout California, Kinship Center volunteers are helping create new beginnings for children.
