December’s volunteer spotlight is Susan, one of our dedicated Holiday Gift Program volunteers. Susan works hard to make sure all of the families seeking holiday gift assistance have warm winter gear and clothing for their children. “I have enjoyed all of the aspects of (my) volunteering but it is especially rewarding to help with the gifts for the kids at Christmas,” Susan says. The Neighbors Holiday Gift Program began accepting applications for assistance in mid-October, but Susan works well before and after the program dates to keep things organized and running smoothly. This year, Neighbors anticipates assisting over 700 families with gifts.

In addition to volunteering with the Holiday Gift Program, Susan is also an on-going volunteer in the Neighbors Clothes Closet thrift store and helps out collecting food at the farmer’s market in Inver Grove Heights. Susan was originally interested in volunteering at Neighbors because she wanted to volunteer somewhere within her local community. She continues volunteering at Neighbors on a regular basis because she is inspired by the volunteers she works with and their dedication to making a difference.

Her favorite memory so far at Neighbors was when she helped celebrate the 100th birthday of a fellow volunteer and long-time Neighbors advocate. Susan loves spending time with the other volunteers and working with Neighbors clients.

Outside of Neighbors, Susan enjoys spending time with her family. She has grandkids in “loads” of sporting activities that she cheers on in both Eagan and Georgia.

Her advice to someone thinking about volunteering is: “Find something that you enjoy doing and then go help!”

If you are interested in more information about volunteering with the Neighbors Holiday Gift Program, please call 651-272-1133. For more information about the Holiday Gift Program, please call 651-306-2140.