Why do you volunteer—why is it important to you?
I volunteer because the opportunities to help others are endless. So many people are in need, and it makes me feel like I’m doing something right for our world when I can help meet those needs.
Name an organization(s) you volunteer for regularly? How were you introduced to that organization(s)?
Currently I’m working with Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program in Santa Barbara, Calif. Since 2006, I’ve been a Dream Captain at Dream Foundation, helping to fulfil the dreams of terminally ill adults as a way to honor my best friend Teri who we lost to cancer that year. In the past several years, my husband and I have delivered bouquets of flowers on Saturday mornings to those who are ill or grieving the loss of a loved one, or someone who just needs to know they are cared about. We also deliver to folks in assisted living, memory care facilities and to seniors living alone.
Which cause(s) you are you passionate about supporting and why?
I want to make peoples’ lives happier, easier, and help bring joy. I want loved ones of family members who are terminally ill to have joyful memories to hold on to, so helping with dreams and supporting those family members is a big reason why I love being involved with Dream Foundation.
I have also enjoyed working with Doctors Without Walls/Santa Barbara Street Medicine for the past two years, knowing that there are so many in Santa Barbara who are underserved medically and that they are making a huge impact on this community.
Are you able to lend your work/professional expertise to the causes/organization you care about?
I’m an administrative professional, so helping people is my job. When creating a dream, you need people skills to talk with the dreamer and family members and get to know their needs. It’s really the same as working with employees. They have needs, and sometimes they just need to be heard; that’s what I’m here for. I hope to be volunteering in a more administrative capacity with DWW/SBSM very soon, so my professional expertise will come in handy there as well.
How has our culture of doing good at Deckers impacted your involvement in volunteering?
I have always volunteered. Working here at Deckers, I have more opportunity to be in the community and able to find new volunteer opportunities because our company wants us out there and embraces this by not only paying us volunteer hours, but also encouraging us to find ways to positively impact our community and those who are in need. This is what sets us apart from most other companies, and I’m proud of that distinction.
What are some of your favorite volunteer activities?
Lately, my husband and I have been delivering flowers on Saturdays for Dream Foundation’s Flower Empower program. I enjoy seeing the faces of the recipients when they see the beautiful arrangements, gift cards and chocolate chip cookies we deliver. It’s also a nice way for my husband and I to spend our Saturday morning together. I also enjoy the ad hoc activities where there is a quick need at Unity Shoppe, Foodbank and Direct Relief so we drop in, do the job and are on our way to the next need (no cape needed).
Share a memory of your first service/volunteering experience.
At Deckers, I believe it was working for Food From The Heart. I organized a group of employees to go out weekly and help prepare 150 meals that would be delivered into the community.
Has anyone in your life influenced you to prioritize giving back through volunteering?
My mom was a giver. We may not have had a lot, but if we had something that we could share with someone in need, she made sure that happened. She had a servant’s heart and watching her, I learned the joy of giving as well.
How have you witnessed volunteering impact your community, family, or yourself?
The impact of volunteering in the community helps those who can’t always help themselves. It lets them know someone cares about their lives. The impact volunteering has on my family is that my children also volunteer and see beyond themselves to the needs of others. This makes me very proud. For me, it fills a need, to take care of others.
How do you feel after volunteering?
Ha! It depends on the activity. Sometimes elated, sometimes mentally worn down, but always happy I was part of something that I hope made a positive difference in someone else’s life.
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