Erin Alexander, Volunteer Leader Alexander.erin02@gmail.com March 2015 - Present 2 hours per week Participating in visitation and patient interaction during Pet Therapy Having such a packed schedule makes it difficult to find volunteer opportunities to fit into the odd hours Im free. Lakeview Seniors Pet Therapy allows me to not only to volunteer in my spare time, but to do so by giving back to the senior community which means so much to me. For a few hours each week, my dog Patrick and I walk to the Lakeview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to brighten its residents day and provide some muchneeded cheering up. I love this program because it compliments the work I do with Guardian Angels and allows me to give back to a community that has given and taught me so much.
Catholic Youth Organization / Mater Dei Academy (Athletic Boosters)
Joe Terranova, Booster President - JTerranova@cardconnect.com; (440) 4886370 August 2012 - Present 80-90 hours per year Scorekeeping for elementary-level volleyball and basketball games between local parishes At times, in charge of the admissions table at the front door Occasionally running the concessions stand with other volunteers Working with the Catholic Youth Organization is easily one of my favorite volunteer experiences. While volunteering for CYO, Im able to work at my home parish as well as the Center for Pastoral Leadership, allowing me to see the families and watch teams I grew up with. Seeing these young kids play is truly an inspiration and reminds me how important my games were to me during elementary school. Its fascinating to see these kids learn how to work as a team and how to problem solve in a stressful situation. If anything,
my volunteering as a scorekeeper keeps me humble and reminds me how
even the little things we do can mean so much to others.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
Pete Taraska, Coordinator (440) 488-3755 June 2012 - Present 30-40 hours per summer Serving patrons at refreshment tent Ensuring is patron is of legal age if ordering alcohol Working with other volunteers in the casino concessions, cleaning, etc. End of night clean-up Each summer, I volunteer at my parish festival and work in the refreshment booth and the festival casino. Serving others is something Ive had a lot of practice with, and the festival allows me to do so in a fun and meaningful way for my parish. The festival usually happens the last weekend in June and is a main revenue generator for our church, and many volunteers are needed. I enjoy volunteering for the festival every year because its something small that I can do to give back to the church Ive grown up in.
Suburban Swim League Championships
Sharon Taraska, Volunteer Leader (440) 488-5376 August 2014 15 hours total Organized and facilitated Clerk of Course Ensuring that over 400 athletes attended their pre-determined events Provided extra guidance to swimmers in younger age groups needing assistance with checking in and reporting for their events Helping the Willowick Swim Team host the Suburban Swim League Championships was a very big learning experience for me. As one of only two volunteers for the Clerk of Course, this event forced me into a leadership position very quickly. Organizing swimmers from 4 to 18 years of age was no easy feat. Trying to do so while dealing with angry parents, head officials of the swim league, coaches, and crowds of spectators during the summer heat was taxing to say the least. However, each event I improved my performance and learned from the previous events mistakes.
Xavier University, Muskee Madness
Adi Taraska, SAAC Community Service Chair Aditaraska@gmail.com; (440) 488-2633 March 2014 10 hours total In charge of entering and submitting raffle information for the upcoming school-sponsored event Although only a one-time event, my volunteering for Xavier University taught me the value of students hard work. This event was completely organized, carried out, and cleaned up by students and was a true inspiration of what teamwork can create. Working with another volunteer, I was able to assist the Student-Athlete Advising Committee (SAAC) by entering and submitting raffle information for their upcoming fundraising event. Contributing to SAAC and volunteering for them taught me what it meant to work as a team and that every contribution, no matter how small, makes a huge difference to everyone involved.