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Each week, Patch will feature a local volunteer who has dedicated their time to helping others.O’Brien’s desire to play an active role in her children’s education has blossomed into working directly with students, a post on the school PTA Board and fundraising to keep learning fun for the children through field trips and other programs. Wheaton Patch: Where do you volunteer to work? Vanessa O’Brien: I am the current PTA Treasurer at Emerson Elementary School in Wheaton and will be the new Co-President of the PTA next year. This is my second year in this role. In the PTA you can only hold an office for 2 years and then you must step down, but can switch positions. I also volunteer in my…
Whether spending time at Cantigny’s First Division War Museum or at Sandburg Elementary School, Rosemary Beutell says volunteering brings her great satisfaction while enhancing other people’s lives. Wheaton Patch: Where do you volunteer to work? Rosemary Beutell: Since I’m semi-retired I’ve volunteered at several organizations, but am especially involved at Cantigny in Winfield working in their Visitor’s Center. I also enjoyed teaching 2nd graders Junior Achievement at Sandburg Elementary School in Wheaton in the spring of 2009. We learned how a community works; how citizens are provided …
Freshman Ally Dougan discovered a unique volunteering opportunity that allows her to combine her love for horses and desire to help others by providing therapeutic equestrian activities for those with physical and mental disabilities. Wheaton Patch: Where do you do your volunteer work? Ally Dougan: Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities (FTEA) WP: How long have you volunteered FTEA? AD: I have been volunteering at FTEA for one year. WP: How much time do you spend volunteering each week? AD: I volunteer two days a week for approximately six to eight hours each week. WP: Please tell us …
For the past two years, Carla Parch has volunteered as co-chair of Wiesbrook Elementary School's PTA Power Paws Committee, a year long program which provides opportunities for kids to donate their time to local charities. Each grade is paired with an organization or group that needs help. Activities for Power Paws include making placemats for the VA Hospital, playing BINGO with seniors, volunteering at St. James Farm, reading to preschoolers and making decorations for the convalescent center. Wheaton Patch: How long have you volunteered at your organization? Carla Parch: Two years WP: What …
