Letter to the Editor: Celebrate Service During National Volunteer Week

Dear Editor:      

Great work and great change are achieved each and every day by the numerous nonprofit organizations that serve our community. What many people may not realize, however, is that volunteers are truly the heart and soul of these organizations. Without them a day would not run as smoothly, the number of people touched by their work would decrease and the visitors and contacts they bring to an organization through networking would be greatly diminished. It’s hard to imagine where DuPage Children’s Museum would be without the aid and dedication of these volunteers.

While we try to thank our volunteers every day for what they do, National Volunteer Week, April 21–27, 2013, is a special time of year to highlight and publicly thank all the wonderful volunteers who contribute to the Museum’s success. This year’s theme, “Celebrate Service,” truly captures the meaning of this signature week, as we honor the people who dedicate themselves to take action and solve problems in their communities.

Volunteers have played a critical role in the success of DCM since its beginning, when two extraordinary volunteers, Louise Beem and Dorothy Carpenter, founded the Museum in 1987 with the purpose of providing open-ended, interactive learning experiences for young children. More than 25 years later, volunteers continue to help us positively affect the learning experiences of children and their families. In 2012, 941 volunteers invested more than 23,000 hours of service in the Museum, from greeting visitors and repairing exhibits to working in our Creativity Studio or assisting with special events. No task goes unnoticed and, best of all, each of our volunteers contributes something unique, while bringing fun, enthusiasm, fresh ideas, support, wisdom and talent.

Personally, I think one of the most impressive demonstrations of service by DuPage Children’s Museum volunteers has been their willingness to become advocates on behalf of the Museum. By lending their voices, these “Champions for Children” demonstrate an extraordinary level of commitment to the future of young children in our community. The statements of value they have made on behalf of the Museum are truly heartwarming and inspiring.

Please join me in extending my sincere gratitude, on behalf of the Museum and the children and families that we serve, for the efforts of our community volunteers.  Let’s focus our attention on the impact and power of volunteerism, service and leadership with hopes to inspire others to engage in their communities. Whether facilitating the Museum experience with visitors or helping us extend our outreach efforts to children and families that face physical or economic barriers to attendance, DCM volunteers make our mission a reality. We celebrate your service each and every day!

Sincerely,

Sue Broad
President & CEO
DuPage Children’s Museum