127 FCM COVER - Fox Cities Magazine

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Taking the WheelWithout volunteers, organizations in the Fox Cities wouldbe unable to offer the services many residents depend on,such as safe transportation to appointments and visitations.Two years ago, Lois and Gene Ver Voort of Little Chutecontacted Penny Jane Strauss, volunteer coordinator forOutagamie County Health and Human Services, aftertalking with friends about how they could donate theirtime to the community.As new retirees, the Ver Voorts were seeking a volunteeropportunity that allowed them to spend time with theirgrandchildren and enjoy their new stage of life.After an interview and background check, they were givena badge to identify themselves as volunteer drivers forOutagamie County. Over the last year, the Ver Voorts havedriven more than a thousand miles, transporting Fox Citiesresidents to doctor appointments, hospital visits andfamily functions when they are unable to drive themselves.“There is a feeling of satisfaction knowing that you arehelping people,” says Lois, who has driven adults andchildren as far south as Milwaukee. “Everyone needstransportation and these individuals trust me to take themwhere they need to go.”Finding a volunteer opportunity that is flexible and suitsyour personality is key in matchingcommunity needs with the right person.To get started, interested volunteersneed only to take the wheel.“If individuals don’t know how to getinvolved they can call us,” says JuliaDrobeck, volunteer coordinator for TheVolunteer Center of East CentralWisconsin, Inc. “We will sit down withthem and get them connected with theright need.”Volunteers from the group from “Hooks n Needles” RSVP program sorting items for holidaydelivery. This program is sponsored by the Volunteer Center of East Central Wisconsin, Inc.organization that supports a cause that is important to them or lookingaround their neighborhood to see if someone needs help.“If you simply show up with a smile, you will make someone’s day,”says Schnell.Giving an Unconventional GiftDuring the holiday season, schedules fill up with concerts, paradesand family events leaving Fox Cities residents searching for flexible, yetfar-reaching volunteer opportunities.“If a volunteer is looking for a shorttermcommitment, we match them with afamily or person in need,” says Penny JaneStrauss, volunteer coordinator forOutagamie County Health and HumanServices. "During the holiday season, weneed volunteers to help the elderly anddisabled with their fall raking and windowwashing as well as donors to adopt familiesfor Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas.”The Hooks n Needles group made 750 hats for thecoat drive at the Salvation Army. The baskets arefilled with the items. Salvation Army volunteers arein the background sorting. Major Annette Tamayoaccepts the donation.Holiday 201118
The Hooks n Needles groupmade scarves for the Circles ofSupport Program (a program ofGoodwill.) The ladies aremodeling some of the scarves!Strauss utilizes TheVolunteer Center of EastCentral Wisconsin, Inc.as a way to connectvolunteers with OutagamieCounty residents in need.Each holiday season, TheVolunteer Center publishes a list of needs in the community, most ofwhich ask volunteers to give two to four hours of their time.Here’s our list of ways Fox Cities residents can pitch in to help theirneighbors this holiday season:If you have 30 minutes:– Be a volunteer companion by visiting an elderly person either attheir home or in an assisted living facility in Outagamie County.– Visit a local nursing home and hand out gifts provided by TheSalvation Army.– Prepare and deliver Christmas Eve meals or holiday treats to 25men at COTS, Inc.If you have 60 minutes:– Join the Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity and wrap gifts at theFox River Mall.– Sing Christmas carols during mealtime at Loaves and Fishes of theFox Valley.If you have 90 minutes:– Help out during the holiday school break at The Building for Kids.– Make cards or tray favors for patients at a local hospital likeThedaCare.If you have two hours:– Ring bells for The Salvation Army.– Decorate a room for the holidays at Brewster Village.If you have three hours:– Adopt-a-Family through Outagamie County Health and HumanServices and shop, wrap and deliver gifts.– Help persons choose gifts for their families at a Salvation Armydistribution center.More on the WebFor a list of volunteer opportunities go to foxcitiesmagazine.comand click on arts & culture.One-of-a-kind custom-created jewelryby Mark Witzke,3-time Wisconsin Jewelers AssociationDesign Competition winner.220 E. WISCONSIN AVENUEAPPLETON 920.733.7902Debra Hackel-GostasCLU, ChFCYOU OWE YOURSELF,your family, and yourcompany a future…beyond you…We’ll help youinsure that future.Retained Earnings Company, Inc.1977 American Drive, Neenah920.720.5678www.retainedearnings.comCraig SmithLUTCF, FBSFOX CITIES Magazine19
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127 FCM COVER - Fox Cities Magazine

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