This quarter we decided to highlight the amazing volunteers that help with Adopt A Family each year.
Our group consists of Rita Frances (Head Elf), Malinda Sullivan (Assistant Head Elf), Michael Redmon (Delivery Elf), Patrick Shea (Delivery Elf), Laurie Amick (Coat Closet Crew), Dorothy Stackpole (Coat Closet Crew), Haylee Amick (Coat Closet Crew), Michael Smith (Traffic Controller), Jeff Irwin (Food Delivery Crew), and Craig Amick (Food Delivery Crew) and Linda Tennison (“Naughty or Nice” List Checker). We asked them to share a little bit about why they volunteer and for how long they have been part of AAF.
Rita: She started helping with Adopt A Family in 2015 when her daughter Malinda was Pantry Coordinator at Human Services. She has continued to be a part of this program because she loves being able to help people.
Malinda: Malinda has been part of the AAF since 2015 when she started as Pantry Coordinator for Human Services. Even though she has since moved on to a different job, she still felt pulled to help. Her favorite part of the event is seeing people’s reactions and knowing that children are getting loved on during the holiday season.
Patrick: Patrick started helping with Adopt A Family in 2022 and his wonderful singing voice and loving personality guaranteed him a permanent spot on the elf crew. He felt called to help because of his relationship with Jesus and his favorite part of the event is all the human beings he gets to encounter.
Michael R.: Michael also started helping in 2022. Michael and his fellow elf Patrick were quite the singing pair and could not be broken up, thus securing his permanent spot on the elf crew! He started volunteering because his fellow elf said he “HAD TO OR ELSE” 😉. His favorite part of the event is seeing Aletha!
Laurie: Laurie started with the Coat Closet Crew in 2018. It is her favorite day of the year! She loves seeing the happy faces of the clients and the gratitude they express. Her favorite part of AAF is the carts leaving the building piled high with food and gifts!
Dorothy: Dorothy started with the Coat Closet Crew in 2018 as well. She had wanted to be a part of this event for a few years and was thrilled when a spot finally opened! She was honored when Aletha asked her if she was available to join the crew. She absolutely loves seeing the people come in and knowing when they leave, they will have less to worry about for Christmas. She also enjoys collaborating with the other wonderful volunteers and the staff at Human Services.
Michael S.: Mike started helping with Adopt A Family back in 2012! It is one of his favorite ministries and he is honored to be a part of the actual distribution. He enjoys being the traffic controller because he is one of the first people the clients are welcomed by. Mike’s goal is to make sure everyone feels loved and welcomed at this event. He is thankful that the clients can see God’s love through the kindness of strangers.
We would like to thank Rita Frances, Kelly MacBrair, and Chris Buchler for all their help in shopping for the children adopted by Canal Winchester Human Services.
We would also like to thank Tom Obert for his continued assistance in picking up our produce from Mid-Ohio every Thanksgiving & Christmas!
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