Meet one of our awesome Dolls for Daughters® volunteers, Tonya Bradshaw. Tonya shared with us recently how she became one of our volunteer superstars. Of course, Tonya didn’t call herself a superstar—volunteers never do…

1. Why did you decide to volunteer with Dolls for Daughters®?

I was introduced to Dolls for Daughters® in 2009 through an email from a mutual friend of Jessica’s and mine. I thought the organization sounded great. Dolls for Daughters® was something I could easily support by sharing information about it with others. I also collected dolls that my friends donated after they learned about the organization from me.

2. How long have you been a volunteer with Dolls for Daughters®?

I started volunteering unofficially in 2009. After learning about the organization, I shared information with friends and asked them to donate dolls that year. I have been involved more and more since then.

3. What is your most memorable experience volunteering with Dolls for Daughters® and which event was it at?

My most memorable experience was at the 2nd Annual Toy Shop this past year. My favorite moment was when a teenage boy picked out a baseball cap for himself but then a few minutes later came back to me and asked to exchange it so he could give his little brother an extra present. It was so sweet to see him wanting to give his younger brother something extra and giving up his own gift to make that happen.

4. Have you participated in any fundraising events that Dolls for Daughters® has held?

I have participated in a few fundraising events. I have been to a Tea Party at Wystone’s World Teas where there was also jewelry being sold. I also volunteered at the auction this past year, the recent Pasquini’s fundraiser and the Give 5 event in honor of Kenzi’s 5th birthday. I am also planning to participate in the upcoming Bowl-a-Thon and possibly volunteer at the Golf Tournament.

5. Have you shared your volunteer experience with your friends and family? If so, what was their reaction?

Yes, I have shared my experiences with my family and friends. They are all supportive and many are also more interested in the organization. When I was a member of the Colorado Jaycees, I nominated Jessica, and she received the Outstanding Young Coloradoan in 2010. It was great to be able to share her work and the organization with the state members of the Jaycees. Then in 2011, I nominated her and she received one of the U,S. Jaycees’ national awards, TOYA – Ten Outstanding Young Americans. This led the organization to receive more recognition from community service-minded people across the U.S. plus the well-deserved recognition to Jessica for her work.

6. If you did share your experience, have any of your friends or family become Dolls for Daughters® volunteers because of it?

Many of my friends have now volunteered for Dolls for Daughters®. Many learned about the organization after Jessica received the Outstanding Young Coloradoan in 2010 and wanted to help. I think we had about 15 volunteers at the 1st Toy Shop in 2010. Since then, many of us have continued to volunteer individually.

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 think that finding the “right” place or group to volunteer with is a personal decision. The cause should be something that the person believes in or enjoys. I am now choosing to give my time to groups that I enjoy being with. I want to have fun and feel good about what I am doing. I also look at the other people/volunteers and see if I can work with and have fun with them. I think volunteering is a great way to do something for the community, to make yourself feel good by giving back and to also meet people who have common interests.