We recently sat down with volunteer Kristian Koehler who is at a point in life to give back. What an awesome gift to DfD Kristian is!!
1. Why did you decide to volunteer with Dolls for Daughters®?
I thought the cause was an incredibly worthy one. I remember at least a few Christmases growing up that wouldn’t have been much fun without groups like this. Now that I am able to help, I’m glad I can be on the giving side.
2. How long have you been a volunteer with Dolls for Daughters®?
Three or four years, ever since I first heard about volunteer opportunities.
3. What is your most memorable experience volunteering with Dolls for Daughters® and which event was it at?
Arriving at the toy store in 2010 for the “late shift” and seeing the line to get in wrapped around the block, even that late in the day.
4. Have you participated in any fundraising event that Dolls for Daughters® had held?
I’ve been at almost all of the bowl-a-thons.
5. Have you shared your volunteer experience with your friends and family? If so, what was their reaction?
My sister had me take my nieces and nephew (ages 5 and 3) shopping for a toy for “Allison” and “Alex” who wouldn’t have Christmas without them.
6. If you did share your experience, have any of your friends or family become Dolls for Daughters® volunteers because of it?
Not yet.
7. With so many organizations in need of volunteers, what suggestions or advice do you have for people who consider volunteering, especially when it comes to choosing where to offer their help?
I love this quote by Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” No one seems to have enough time to do much anymore, but what you get out of an hour or two of volunteering is worth so much more than the time sacrificed. I would rather volunteer with smaller, “local” groups like Dolls for Daughters® without all the burearacracy and red tape. It puts you in a much better spot to see and feel the good you are doing.
