Amber Gersch—January 2014’s Featured DfD Volunteer Superstar

Amber Gersch continues to be an important part of Dolls for Daughters®. Because of her passion for children, Dolls for Daughters® is one of the lucky recipients of her volunteerism. We are thrilled and grateful to have her help us at our annual Toy Shop each year!

1. ​How did you first learn about Dolls for Daughters®? 

Amber: I learned about DfD during Christmas 2012 from a reply post by Angie Austin, who said she was planning to attend Dolls for Daughter’s wrapping party. I went to the wrapping party too and I was hooked, especially when I heard about Kenzi and the huge impact she had had on her family and Denver.

2. ​Some people are drawn to DfD because of their own personal experience, or the experience of someone close to them, similar to Jessica’s. Why did you decide to volunteer with Dolls for Daughters®?

Amber: I have chosen to give my life to make an impact in the lives of children. It broke my heart the way Kenzi’s birth and death happened and I was inspired by the strength of Jessica and the Bachus family. I wanted to help with their mission.

3. ​What has touched you most about the work DfD is doing?

Amber: Children come into this world helpless, not wanting for anything other than having their basic needs met and receiving lots of love. Sometimes parents can’t afford extras, like Christmas-morning toys. It inspires me that we can provide that experience for them so they feel like their friends.

4. How long have you been a volunteer with Dolls for Daughters®? What is/are the biggest reason(s) for staying involved with DfD?

Amber: I have been a volunteer for DfD since December 2012, It is my passion to help children in any possible way I can and that keeps me involved.

5. What is your most memorable experience volunteering with Dolls for Daughters®? Please describe your experience and what made it stand out for you.

Amber: My first Toy Shop was an eye opener. I saw just how many children were in need and how their parents stood out in line or slept in cars throughout the night before the event in order to get presents for their children for Christmas morning.

6. Have you participated in any of the DfD fundraising events? If so, which one(s)? Also, please tell us about at least one significant memory from one of the events.

Amber: I haven’t been to any fundraisers yet, but I plan to help out this year in any way I can.

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

Amber: I tell my friends about my volunteering with DfD and they are not surprised since they know about my passion and desire to help children.

8. If you did share your experience, have any of your friends or family become Dolls for Daughters® volunteers because of it? If you are able to identify their reason(s), why did they decide to get involved?

Amber: No, but I am always looking for recruits to help out!

9. With so many organizations in need of volunteers for so many different purposes, what suggestions or advice do you have for people who consider volunteering? In particular, how should they choose the organization and how should they decide in what areas of the organization and how much the will help?

Amber: I would say that I would ask them first about their passions—what are they, what drives them, and what fills their heart? I volunteer for DfD, as well as another nonprofit, along with helping out at three schools, with Girl Scouts, and at a local hospital. I love helping children! At the end of the day, I can say I made a difference and that’s what matters most to me.