Meet another of our awesome Dolls for Daughters® volunteers, Dawn Rozecki. Dawn’s entire family has become a part of the Dolls for Daughters® volunteer community. Dawn shared with us recently how she became one of our volunteer superstars. Of course, Dawn doesn’t call herself a superstar either—volunteers never do…

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

Kenzi was born less than a month after my youngest son was born. I remember thinking how I couldn’t imagine having to go through what Jessica and Kyle had been through, and I didn’t know how I would be able to cope with the grief. I was and am inspired by how Jessica took all of that grief and turned it into such a positive force for our community. It has been my pleasure to volunteer with Dolls for Daughters®. My husband and two sons have been able to volunteer at the Toy Shop for the past two years and it is certainly something we all look forward to each holiday season. It has given my two sons a different perspective about expectations during Christmas.

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

I have been involved with Dolls for Daughters® since its inception. I have helped to collect toys and have attended other events. For the past two years, I have volunteered at the Toy Shop.

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

The most memorable event for me was watching my 11- and 4-year-old sons volunteering at the Toy Shop in 2010. They were both surprised at the line outside and how many families truly could not afford to provide Christmas presents for children. My 11-year-old walked away from the event with a renewed appreciation for the gifts under our own tree and with a greater understanding of the struggles that families face each day to have the basics that we sometimes take for granted. 

4.    Have you participated in any fundraising event that Dolls for Daughters® had held?

My family and I have attended the Bowl-a-thons.

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

I have shared my experiences with my family, and they were also amazed at what one mom has done with her grief after losing a child. They were able to watch the CBS special and see how large the impact of Dolls for Daughters® is for the families in Colorado.

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

My family and friends have donated toys to Dolls for Daughters®. 

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 would tell people to volunteer with organizations that touch their hearts. I can remember the moment that I learned of Kenzi’s birth and loss. I can’t imagine not working with an organization that Kenzi’s family created to honor her and all of the children in our community.