We never know how our volunteers will find us or what will be the “spark” for them to get involved. That’s part of the magic of what we do. We are so grateful for Phillip and the work he does for DfD. He and his daughters have been a wonderful addition to our DfD family!

1. How did you learn about Dolls for Daughters® and Kenzi’s Kidz?

I learned of Dolls for Daughters® and Kenzi’s Kidz from Eric Reamer who is a board member of DfD. He invited me to the Silent Auction event in September 2012.

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

The reason I decided to volunteer was after attending the Silent Auction last year and meeting Jessica Bachus. After hearing her story, I knew I had found the right place to devote my time and energy. I love kids, and anything I can do to help them is a place I want to be.

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

I have been volunteering since September 2012.

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

I have two memorable moments. The first one is when I got the opportunity to help Jessica shop for toys on Thanksgiving eve. There were a few of us helping, and it just was so much fun to try and get as many toys as possible and to know how much happiness they would bring. We ended up filling up a small U-Haul truck with toys that night. The second one was the toy shop in December 2012. That was my first experience doing that. I remember walking into the gym and seeing all the toys and thinking to myself that there was no way we would give all these away in one day. Six hours later the gym was empty, but my heart was full because I got to see firsthand the joy on all the kids’ faces.

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

I have participated in two fundraising events so far the first being the Silent Auction in September of 2012, and then the Bowl-A-Thon in March 2013. These were two great events.

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

I have shared my experiences with my two daughters and some close friends and everyone has asked what they can do to get involved. Both my children want to get involved with Dolls for Daughters® and help. My younger daughter is in the process of writing a book for children and our hope is to have it done and published so we can donate books to Dolls for Daughters®.

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

Both of my daughters have volunteered. They were with us when we purchased toys on Thanksgiving eve. My younger daughter volunteered at the December 2012 toy shop and participated in the Bowl-a-Thon. My hope is that my daughters will follow in my footsteps and continue to volunteer for this great cause.

8. 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?

My best advice for someone who is looking for somewhere to volunteer is to pick something you are passionate about. Find something that means something to you. Find a place where you can sink your feet in and really work hard without it feeling like work. When I got the chance to meet Jessica and hear her story I knew I was in the right place and that this was where I wanted to give of my time.