The Value of One, The Power of Many: Meet Holly

“ A greater connection to the community.”

#NationalVolunteerWeek

We are so lucky to have Holly Weitzel volunteering with us! Holly got involved as a key force at our flagship fundraiser, Gems & Java - running the kitchen. We asked why she started and what she's gained from her volunteer work:

"I was elated at the opportunity, being past president of the Kinette Club of London, I had lots of experience with food driven fundraising so I knew this would be the perfect fit! When I started I had just moved back from London and was in need of new friendships and activities to keep me busy," Holly said.

She said her work with our organization has brought her "a greater connection to the community."

#NVW2021 #VolunteerLed #VolunteerDriven

The Value of One, The Power of Many: Meet Paul

#NationalVolunteerWeek

Introducing volunteer Paul Leuverink! Paul coordinates the technology behind our payment system at Gems & Java and is also providing tech support for our Spring Forward Silent Auction.

"It’s important for me to give back, to focus on others, and to make an impact. It's also important for me to make meaningful connections with other volunteers and I feel good knowing that I can make a positive impact on people in another part of the world," he said.

"The money that is raised goes to support so many meaningful projects . . . I am proud to be able to contribute to this work!"

“The money that is raised goes to support so many meaningful projects . . . I am proud to be able to contribute to this work!”

The Value of One, The Power of Many: Meet Diane

“It also gave me the opportunity to meet new people and become involved in the community.”

#NationalVolunteerWeek

We're so happy to have Diane Broad volunteering with us! Here's what she had to say about getting involved:

"After attending two Gems & Java events, I was so moved by the passion and dedication of the founders of this local Woodstock organization that I wanted to contribute my time in some way to support their projects in Ethiopia. As a newcomer to Woodstock, it also gave me the opportunity to meet new people and become involved in the community."

Thank you Diane for sharing your time and talents with our organization!

#NVW2021 #VolunteersDriveChange

The Value of One, The Power of Many: Meet Amanda

#NationalVolunteerWeek

Amanda Bragg first learned about our organization after she was given a ticket to Gems & Java as a birthday gift. Now she's a member of the volunteer endgagement committee.

"The stories shared that day were both moving and inspiring and I knew I wanted to help!"

And the rest is history! We're so glad to have you on the team, Amanda! She said it's a great combination, working with a talent group of people while also making a difference.

"I have had the pleasure of getting to know and work with an incredible team of volunteers. There are so many dedicated people with a broad range of skills and talents. It has been a wonderful learning experience."

It's been such a joy to share a glimpse at some of our volunteers with you this week as part of #NationalVolunteerWeek. This year's theme - the value of one, the power of many - really sums up our work. Thank you to each and every one of you who contributes time, energy, talent and money to our cause.

“The stories shared that day were both moving and inspiring and I knew I wanted to help!”

Surgical Success Stories - Amarech and Ayelech! (#358 & #359)

Amarech is 50 years old and she had a very severe prolapse although she just noticed it five months ago. She’s widowed and has given birth to seven children who have all survived. Her surgery went very well!

Ayelech is 40 years and has three living children after giving birth to six. She’s widowed and has been suffering from her prolapse for the past three years. It had become quite severe but is now a thing of the past and not of the present or the future. Her smile is even bigger after her surgery!

Surgical Success Stories - Shitaye and Bafe! (#356 & #357)

Shitaye, who is 45., was actually pregnant 13 times but now only has six living children. She’s married and has been dealing with her prolapse over the past year. Fortunately she caught her problem fairly early and it was able to be repaired!

Bafe, who is 55 and married, has eight children, all of whom are alive. Her prolapse had been present for 10 years and had gotten quite severe. But it’s gone now and she is so so grateful!